UK facing horror flu season as health boss warns ‘thousands will die’ | UK | News
The NHS is facing a “crash” of flu and doctors’ strikes as it heads into a tough winter, the service chief has said. Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, told leaders at the King’s Fund conference in central London that NHS staff had done a “fantastic job” managing doctors’ strikes in the summer.
But he suggested the five-day strike of junior doctors in England, which begins next Friday, could pose a significant challenge. Sir Jim said it had been a difficult few weeks for the NHS to get back on its feet after the summer strikes, adding that “that’s where I’m worried about this time; we’ll manage it well and then, just because of the coincidence of events, as we get back on our feet I think it will probably coincide with the bad flu.”
He added: “We all respect the right to strike, but it’s a risk we could all do without, especially at this point in the year. So I really wish we wouldn’t do that.”
Sir Jim said the flu wave could continue for a long time, adding: “We’re really going to have to focus on safety from every angle and we’re very prepared. The service has prepared a lot to try and reduce the risks. I’m sure the service will do the best it can. There are things you’d rather not have – some of them are completely unmanageable. Flu will come. There will be another round of Covid. Industrial action can be avoided. We can avoid it.”
An expert had previously warned thousands of people could die from flu this winter after figures showed flu deaths more than doubled last year. Estimates from the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) show that deaths from flu in England were 7,757 last winter, down from 3,555 last year.
Child deaths due to flu also increased from 34 to 53. The UK is bracing for a flood of flu deaths this winter, with NHS leaders issuing a “flu vaccine SOS” urging people to stay protected. This follows the biggest flu season in Australian history, which is generally seen as an accurate prediction of what the UK can expect.
Sir Jim has previously said there is “no doubt” this winter will be “one of the toughest winters our staff have ever faced”. He added: “Since stepping into this role, the thought of a long, drawn-out flu season has been keeping me awake at night. And sadly, that fear appears to be coming true.”
“Australia has experienced its worst flu season in history, with more than 410,000 cases, and all signs suggest the NHS will face similar challenges in the coming months. From December to March, our hospitals will be at capacity.”
National leader of the UKHSA flu programme, Dr. Suzanna McDonald said: “Flu emerged earlier this year and will only spread in the coming weeks. Many people think they only get flu when they catch a bad cold.”
“If you get the flu it’s very bad and can be fatal for those who are more vulnerable. If you’re eligible it’s because you’re at greater risk. If you haven’t had the flu vaccine yet, don’t regret it later; stay strong and get vaccinated as soon as you can.”
Elaine Clancy, head of nursing at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals, said the NHS trust was bracing for a bad winter.
He said: “Last flu season was particularly awful and we are very concerned that this year could be even worse – we are preparing for a rapid escalation of the flu epidemic on our wards.
“We see people die from flu every year and unfortunately thousands more are likely to die this year. I strongly recommend you book your vaccine now as it will take up to 14 days to take full effect.”
NHS England said it would make 2.4 million vaccination slots available next week, which it said was enough to vaccinate the whole of Greater Manchester or Botswana.
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “With just a few weeks to go to ensure we have the best protection against the worst of the flu season, we are issuing an urgent SOS to eligible people who have not yet been vaccinated this year.
“It is vital that the public use the more than 2.4 million available appointments we will be making next week to help stem this early wave of flu cases and protect themselves ahead of winter, when viruses tend to spread and the NHS faces increasing pressure on its services.
“The vaccine has been proven safe and helps prevent at-risk people from becoming seriously ill or even hospitalized with flu, so please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or by calling 119, or speak to your GP today about your winter flu vaccine.”
Flu vaccines are offered to everyone aged 65 and over, people aged under 65 in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents and carers, those in close contact with immunocompromised people, frontline social care workers, health and social care staff, as well as children.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: “Vaccination is the best defense against flu, especially for the most vulnerable.
“As flu cases have tripled from this time last year, I am urging everyone who is eligible to book one of the 2.4 million appointments available next week.”
Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Association of Pharmacists, said: “Thousands of pharmacies are offering NHS flu jabs to protect people against illness this winter.
“They are convenient, close to home and highly experienced in delivering vaccines, helping to ease the pressure on GPs and other parts of the healthcare service.”
