NHS leaders have warned that they are “busier than ever” for this time of year as the number of people in hospital with flu has more than quadrupled compared to 2023.
Health leaders have warned that the service is facing a “quad-demic” of flu, norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid.
A senior nurse has warned there is “barely a spare bed in the NHS” and it has been highlighted how staff and patients are “desperately worried” over the coming winter months.
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the NHS is “on its knees” and to meet the pledges of waiting times will be a symbol that the health service is “back on its feet facing the future.”
However, health bosses have said there needs to be a “healthy dose of realism” as to how quickly the NHS can realistically deliver the target.
Last week there was an average of 96,587 hospital beds in England that was occupied, this more than ever recorded than at any point in any given year.
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said, “The NHS is busier than it has ever been before heading into winter, with flu and norovirus numbers in hospital rising sharply – and we are still only at the start of December, so we expect pressure to increase and there is a long winter ahead of us.
“For a while there have been warnings of a ‘tripledemic’ of Covid, flu and RSV this winter, but with rising cases of norovirus this could fast become a ‘quad-demic’, so it’s important that if you haven’t had your Covid or flu jab to follow the lead of millions of others and come forward and get protected as soon as possible.
“Ambulances are also facing huge demand, with thousands of extra patients and other pressures having an impact on handover delays, which is why our robust plans, including services like urgent treatment centres and same-day emergency care, are so important this winter.
“As always, the public have an important part to play in helping NHS staff over winter by, as ever, calling 999 in an emergency and using the NHS 111 service through the NHS App, online or phone, for advice on how to access the right support for non-emergency health needs.”
Patricia Marquis, executive director for England for the Royal College of Nursing, said, “There is barely a spare bed in our NHS, with sky-high flu admissions and thousands stuck in hospital unable to be discharged due to a lack of capacity in social care.
“Before the cold weather hits, nursing staff and patients are desperately worried about what the coming weeks and months may bring.”
Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency added, “It’s clear that unless more eligible people come forward to receive their flu vaccine, we are likely to see more cases of flu, and more hospitalisations and deaths, than we saw last year.
“It is still early in the season, so there is still time to change the trajectory and reduce the impact of flu in our communities in time for Christmas, but time is running out.”
