The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is facing its busiest period ever, with 95% of beds currently occupied. The surge in flu and norovirus cases is putting pressure on hospitals, causing delays in emergency care.
According to data released at the start of December, nearly 1,100 hospital patients have been diagnosed with flu, four times higher than last year’s numbers. Covid-19 patients occupy around 1,400 beds, while norovirus takes up 750 beds. RSV cases have also increased, with an average of 142 children in hospitals daily.
The warning comes as the NHS struggles to meet its non-emergency care targets, and senior doctors accuse the government of ignoring the “crisis” facing the emergency system. Ambulance delays are a major concern, with two-thirds experiencing wait times over 15 minutes last week.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced extra funding to help alleviate pressure this winter, but critics say more needs to be done to address the long-term issues affecting the NHS. A new 10-year plan aims to improve care “all year round”, but experts warn that a coordinated approach is needed to tackle winter pressures effectively.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9xnl9nvg3o