The National Health Service has issued a stark warning that hospitals across England remain under severe strain, despite signs that the recent surge in influenza cases is beginning to level off. This alert comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activates cold weather health warnings for the country, with temperatures predicted to dive below freezing.
Hospitals Operating at Near Maximum Capacity
New official data reveals the immense ongoing pressure on the health service. In the week leading up to Christmas, hospital admissions for flu still exceeded 3,000, though this marked a slight decrease from the previous week. The NHS has cautioned that the situation remains critical, with an average of 94,118 patients being treated in hospitals each day. Crucially, approximately 95% of all adult general and acute beds were occupied.
The health service has credited a successful vaccination campaign for helping to curb the flu wave. NHS staff have administered half a million more flu jabs compared to the same period last year, bringing the total number of people vaccinated this winter to nearly 18.5 million.
Senior Figures Warn 'We're Not Out of Danger Yet'
NHS National Medical Director, Professor Meghana Pandit, expressed gratitude to staff and the public but emphasised continued risks. "While there are signs of improvement and the NHS is in calmer waters, pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high and we're not out of danger yet with temperatures set to drop in the coming days," she stated.
Professor Pandit reiterated essential public guidance: "Please do continue to only use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 and 111 online for other conditions." She also urged all eligible individuals who have not yet received their flu vaccination to come forward, confirming that it is not too late to get the jab.
Multiple Winter Viruses Continue to Circulate
The threat to the NHS is compounded by several circulating seasonal illnesses, not just flu. Last week, hospitals were dealing with an average of:
- 707 patients with Covid each day.
- 285 cases
The combination of these viruses, alongside the newly issued amber and yellow cold weather alerts, creates a perfect storm for health services.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the efforts made in winter planning, noting that ambulance handover times have improved compared to last year. "Their professionalism, resilience and commitment to patients have been evident throughout the Christmas period," he said of NHS staff. However, he echoed the warning, stating plainly: "we are not out of the woods yet, with flu continuing to be a challenge."
The overarching message from health leaders is one of cautious resilience. While vaccination drives and early planning are having a positive impact, the public must play its part by using services appropriately and getting vaccinated to help protect themselves and ease the unprecedented burden on hospitals.
