The National Health Service in England has been placed on 'high alert' as the number of patients hospitalised with influenza has surged to its highest level ever recorded for this point in the winter season. This worrying spike coincides with ongoing industrial action by junior doctors, placing immense strain on health services.
Record-Breaking Flu Admissions Across England
Official data reveals a sharp and concerning increase in flu cases requiring hospital treatment. By the end of last week, an average of 3,140 people were in hospital with flu each day. This marks a significant 18% jump compared to the figures from the previous week.
To put this into historical context, the current level is substantially higher than the same period last year, which saw an average of 2,629 patients. The contrast is even starker when compared to 2023, when the daily average stood at just 648.
Regional Variations and Impact of Strikes
While the national picture is one of rising pressure, the trend is not uniform across the country. There are signs that the surge may be beginning to slow in some regions; for instance, hospital flu cases in the North-West of England fell by 4% over the past week.
However, other areas are experiencing rapid growth. Admissions soared by 39% in the East of England and by a striking 40% in the South-West. This surge is unfolding as resident doctors across England embark on the second of a planned five days of strike action in a dispute over pay, further challenging NHS capacity.
Senior NHS Leaders Issue Stark Warning
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's National Medical Director, offered a sobering assessment of the situation. She acknowledged that while the rate of increase in flu cases was not as severe as initially feared in some parts, the health service was 'nowhere near out of the woods yet'.
'Combined with the impact of strikes, a stream of winter viruses means many hospitals will be on high alert in the days ahead,' Pandit stated. She strongly emphasised that 'it remains vital that people continue to come forward for NHS care as normal.'
The pressure is also evident in critical care units, where the number of beds occupied by flu patients rose from 106 to 128 in the space of a week.
Norovirus Adding to Winter Pressures
In addition to the flu crisis, hospitals are grappling with a rise in other seasonal illnesses. Last week, an average of 427 hospital beds were filled daily by patients suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, or norovirus-like symptoms. This represents an increase of more than a fifth (21%) compared to the week before, compounding the winter workload for NHS staff.
The convergence of record flu admissions, rising norovirus cases, and industrial action creates a perfect storm for the health service, prompting leaders to warn of a challenging period ahead for hospitals across England.
