The NHS is facing 'extraordinary pressure' as amber cold health alerts have been issued for every region of England, with hospitals bracing for a surge in patients amid plummeting temperatures and 95% bed occupancy.
Data published on Wednesday shows an average of 3,061 flu patients were in hospital daily in the week ending 21 December, a slight decrease from 3,140 the previous week. However, NHS England warns that the cold weather could escalate the situation, with critical care beds also under strain.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber warnings from 8pm Wednesday until 10am next Tuesday, indicating that the forecast weather is 'likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services'. Dr Paul Coleman of UKHSA urged people to check on vulnerable friends and family, as cold exposure can increase risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.
Prof Meghana Pandit, NHS England's medical director, stated: 'While there are signs of improvement... we’re not out of danger yet with temperatures set to drop in the coming days.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed this, praising staff but noting flu remains a challenge.
Rory Deighton of the NHS Confederation highlighted that bed occupancy is 'well above safe levels', with thousands of patients stuck in hospital despite being medically fit for discharge due to lack of community and social care.
