The number of flu patients in England’s hospitals has quadrupled in the past month and is rising at an alarming rate, NHS chiefs have said.
According to the latest figures, 5,000 flu patients were being treated in hospitals last weekend, a 3.5 times increase from the same period in 2023. However, this number is relatively low compared to 2022.
Stress on health sector:
The head of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine said, “The strain on hospitals has reached intolerable levels and the flu is increasing the strain on hospitals.”
In the wake of extremely cold winter weather, health officials have warned of the impact on vulnerable patients and the health system.
NHS National Clinical Director Prof. Julian Redhead said, “Flu stress shows no sign of abating ahead of the start of the new year. More than 5,000 cases of flu were reported in hospitals last weekend, and the number is rising at an alarming rate.”
Effects of cold weather:
Prof. “Cold weather can be dangerous for people with respiratory problems or who are debilitated,” Redhead said. He advised people to stay warm during the cold and to stock up on regular medicines.
Additional provision for winter ailments:
Hospitals have set aside extra beds this year to deal with the strain of winter illnesses like flu, Covid, and norovirus. The NHS has provided more support for patients who frequently use emergency services and also provided more care outside hospitals.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “The NHS has done everything it can to reduce the risk to patients. But the current situation is one of national insecurity. Local services are under strain.”
Problems with ambulances:
According to last week’s figures, 12,200 patients waited in ambulances for more than an hour because they could not get immediate treatment.
Head of Royal College of Emergency Medicine Dr. Adrian Boyle said, “Our emergency departments are full, and ambulances are stuck outside. This is causing avoidable damage, leading to additional deaths.”
Need to improve social care:
Dr. Boyle said, “The flu has made the situation worse, because we don’t have enough beds and the available beds are not being used properly. This is the result of a failure to improve social care.”
On the same day, England’s Health and Social Care Secretary announced plans to reform social care for adults, but the changes are unlikely to come into effect before 2028.
Conditions in other parts:
Some hospitals in England have restricted visits to prevent the spread of flu, and have instructed patients and relatives to wear masks.
Scotland has also seen a sharp rise in the number of flu cases. First Minister John Swinney said, “There is a huge strain on the NHS.”
The Welsh Government said: “Increased winter demand has put a huge strain on urgent and emergency services. This has been exacerbated by flu patients.”