Where in the UK is most affected by the flu surge as pressure mounts on hospitals
The NHS is facing a “worst case scenario” situation for those hospitalized with flu as flu cases spread rapidly across the country.
Latest figures reveal an average of 2,660 patients a day were in hospital beds with flu last week; This is the highest figure ever for this time of year, up 55 percent from last week. This means there are enough flu patients every day to fill more than three hospital trusts.
NHS England has also published figures showing which hospital trusts have been hardest hit by the flu spike. On Sunday University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust recorded 254 general and acute beds were full and seven people were in intensive care with flu.
Of the hundreds of hospitals listed, Birmingham University Hospitals was most affected by the flu surge.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s 101 general and acute hospital beds were full with flu patients, while six were in critical care. There were 84 patients filling general and acute beds at Barts Health NHS Trust in east London.
NHS chiefs have warned that the total has risen sharply since the week covered by the data, with no peak in sight. Winter viruses begin to “devour” hospitals; The number of norovirus patients in hospital beds increased by 35 percent each day last week, to an average of 354.
NHS National Medical Director Professor Meghana Pandit said the unprecedented super flu wave had stretched staff to their limits.
“With record demand for A&E and ambulances and a looming junior doctors’ strike, this unprecedented super flu wave is leaving the NHS facing the worst-case scenario for this time of year, with staff pushed to the limit to continue providing the best possible care to patients.
“The number of flu patients admitted to hospitals at this time of the year is quite high.
“Worse still, it continues to rise and the peak is not yet in sight, so the NHS has an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.”
The rise in flu cases comes as thousands of junior doctors prepare to go on strike between 17 and 22 December, raising fears of major disruption for patients ahead of Christmas. According to the latest figures, more than 17.4 million people have been vaccinated so far this year; that’s 170,000 more than this time last year.
Professor Pandit added: “NHS staff have done their best to vaccinate more people than last year, and with only a week to go to ensure maximum immunity to flu on Christmas Day, I would urge anyone eligible for the vaccine to please make an appointment or visit a walk-in location as soon as possible. Vaccination is the best protection against potentially becoming very ill and also helps protect those around you.”
“We have prepared for winter earlier than ever and offered stress-tested services to ensure people have a range of ways to get the help they need and avoid trips to A&E.
“For non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, who can direct you to the most appropriate location, while for life-threatening conditions and serious injuries, use A&E and 999.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “There’s a wave of flu sweeping through our hospitals. We’re working with the NHS to make sure it can deal with this as best as possible, including vaccinating over 17 million patients already, 170,000 more than this time last year, with more than 60,000 NHS staff also getting vaccinated.
“We have recruited a further 2,500 GPs and streamlined GP appointment bookings, enabling patients to be cared for both in the community and outside of hospital.
“My offer to the BMA will help solve the jobs problem facing junior doctors and put an end to strike action this Christmas, the most dangerous time of the year. I urge junior doctors to avoid further damage to the NHS, vote for this deal and cancel Christmas strikes.”
