A top NHS leader has cautioned that the health service is 'not out of danger yet' as winter viruses continue to place significant strain on hospitals across the country.
Hospital Pressures Remain High
Despite signs that flu cases are beginning to steady, the NHS is facing sustained pressure. In the week before Christmas, hospital cases for flu surpassed 3,000. Hospitals remain exceptionally busy, with data showing approximately 95% of adult beds occupied and an average of 94,118 patients in hospital each day.
Other seasonal illnesses are also circulating widely. Last week, hospitals were treating an average of 707 patients with Covid each day, alongside 285 daily admissions for norovirus.
Vaccination Drive Eases Some Strain
There is some positive news stemming from a successful immunisation campaign. NHS staff have protected half a million more people against flu compared to the same period last year, which has helped prevent a more severe surge in cases.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, expressed her gratitude: "I want to thank NHS staff who continue to deliver care under extraordinary pressure, and the public who have come forward to get their flu jab which is helping protect the public and ease pressure on hospitals."
She added a clear warning: "While there are signs of improvement and the NHS is in calmer waters, pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high and we're not out of danger yet with temperatures set to drop in the coming days."
Public Urged to Use Services Wisely
Health leaders are reiterating crucial advice to the public to help manage demand. Professor Pandit urged people to only use 999 and A&E for life-threatening emergencies, directing others to use NHS 111 online or by phone for other conditions. She also encouraged all eligible individuals who have not yet done so to come forward for their flu vaccination, stating "it's not too late."
Amid the challenges of winter viruses and industrial action by junior doctors, there are pockets of improvement. Ambulance handover times improved by six minutes compared to the previous week. Furthermore, more than eight in ten calls to NHS 111 were answered within a minute, a significant increase from just over seven in ten the week before.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting commented on the winter planning: "This year we planned earlier than ever for winter, and that preparation is paying off. By modernising the NHS... ambulance handover times are down on last year and more patients are getting the care they need, when they need it."
He echoed the caution, however, noting: "We are not out of the woods yet, with flu continuing to be a challenge," and paid tribute to the "professionalism, resilience and commitment" of NHS staff throughout the Christmas period.
