Christmas and New Year gatherings may have caused a bounce back
in winter viruses, as the health service also grapples with a
vicious cold snap.
Figures published today show
that the number of patients in hospital beds with flu has risen
by 9% on the previous week (2,924), following two weeks where
that number had fallen.
The average number of patients in hospital with Norovirus and
Covid per day was also up on the previous week, and overall bed
occupancy was up 5% on the previous week at just under 92%.
There were more than 5,100 more ambulance handovers last week
(101,177) than the same week last year. These figures include New
Year's Eve, one of the busiest nights of the year for ambulance
crews.
Despite the pressure, the average ambulance handover time (37
minutes 44 seconds) was more than 16 minutes quicker than the
same time last year - although was down on the week before.
The NHS has now delivered more than 18.6m flu vaccines this
season, up by over half a million than the same time last
year, with thousands of appointments still available for
people to get protected.
Next week the NHS will send thousands of reminders to parents of
children with certain health conditions to come forward for their
flu jabs, which will be available from their local GP practice
NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit
said: “It's clear that the worst is far from over for
the NHS this winter, with hospitals again experiencing a rise in
patients admitted with flu and other respiratory virus cases last
week.
“The cold weather also means we are also seeing more vulnerable
patients with respiratory problems in A&E and more injuries
from slips and falls due to the icy conditions, so it remains an
extremely busy time.
“Staff continue to work incredibly hard and we are seeing teams
across the country pulling out all the stops to ensure patients
get the care they need. It remains important that people come
forward for care as usual and there are still plenty of
opportunities to get vaccinated and get protected against flu.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, said: “Today's data shows we are not out
of the woods yet. While the NHS is better prepared and performing
more strongly than this time last year thanks to the tireless
work of staff, the current cold snap is putting fresh pressure on
frontline services.
“Flu can be serious, particularly for older people, young
children and those with underlying conditions, and vaccination
remains the best protection. I urge everyone who is eligible to
get their flu jab as soon as possible.
“By acting now, we can help keep people out of
hospital, support our NHS staff through the toughest weeks of
winter, and ensure emergency care is there for those who need it
most.”
