The NHS is facing an “unprecedented flu wave”, a senior healthcare leader has warned, as the number of people with the illness in hospitals across England hit a record high. An average of 1,717 flu patients were in beds each day last week, a 56% increase on the 1,098 patients at the same time last year, according to NHS England data.
Of these, 69 patients were in critical condition. The figures come as the health service braces for further pressure from a five-day strike by resident doctors starting on 17 December. Prof Julian Redhead, national director for urgent and emergency care, said cases were “incredibly high for this time of year and there is no peak in sight yet”.
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, described the strike as “cruel” and “calculated to cause mayhem” at a time when the service is already under severe strain. He warned that the number of flu patients could rise to 8,000 by next week. Meanwhile, 30% of ambulance patients waited at least 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams last week.
Sarah Woolnough of the King’s Fund said the NHS was “entering the most challenging period of the year”, with rising flu cases and industrial action adding to existing pressures. Health Secretary Wes Streeting pledged to “weather this storm” through planning, investment and modernisation.
