NHS confronts ‘unprecedented flu wave' as hospital admissions soar 56% in UK

The National Health Service (NHS) is bracing for what senior leaders state as an "unprecedented flu wave” this winter, with new data showing hospital admissions have surged to a record high.

England's first winter situation report unveiled by the NHS found that an average of 1,717 flu patients were in hospital beds each day last week. This underscores a 56% increase in comparison to the same period last year.

The figure includes 69 patients in critical care. Earlier, the flu season started unusually early with officials warning that the peak is not yet in sight.

NHS national director for urgent and emergency care, Prof Julian Redhead confirmed the service’s “deepest concerns” stating that “ballooning flu cases” could stretch staff “close to breaking point” in the coming weeks.

This mounts more pressure on resident doctors in England who are scheduled to begin a five-day strike on December 17th, directly coinciding with the expected surge.

“Anger and frustration” is expressed by NHS England Chief Executive Sir Jim Mackey, warning that the number of flu patients could rise to as many as 8,000 by next week.

Addressing this, NHS has activated its winter plan earlier than ever, urging public to use services such as NHS App and Pharmacy First for minor ailments to alleviate strain on overwhelmed A&E departments.