The NHS is facing an 'unprecedented flu wave', with an average of 1,717 flu patients in hospital beds each day last week, a 56% increase compared to the same period last year. The figures, released by NHS England, show 69 patients in critical condition, up from 1,098 flu patients in beds last year and just 160 in 2023.
Professor Julian Redhead, national director for urgent and emergency care, said the numbers confirm the NHS's 'deepest concerns', with cases 'incredibly high for this time of year and there is no peak in sight yet'. He warned that ballooning flu cases coinciding with strikes may stretch staff close to breaking point.
The data also reveals that 30% of patients arriving by ambulance waited at least 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams, slightly down from 36% the previous week. Resident doctors in England have voted for a five-day strike from 17 to 22 December, coinciding with the flu surge.
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 working hard to keep people safe. He warned that flu patient numbers could rise to 8,000 by next week.
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of the King's Fund, said the NHS is 'entering the most challenging period of the year', with rising flu cases and industrial action adding strain. Health Secretary Wes Streeting pledged to 'weather this storm' with proper planning, record investment, and modernisation.
