Health leaders have cautioned that the country could be facing the worst flu season in decades, putting hospitals under immense pressure, particularly as junior doctors plan a five-day strike from December 17 to 22. NHS chief executive Sir Jim Mackey described the strike as “reckless,” noting it comes at the most dangerous time of the year for hospitals.
The NHS published the figures as part of its first weekly snapshot of hospital performance this winter. Of the 1,717 flu patients admitted daily last week, 69 required critical care, a 56% increase on the same week in 2024 and nearly ten times higher than in 2023.
By comparison, adult hospital beds occupied by patients with diarrhoea, vomiting, or norovirus-like symptoms averaged 261 last week—significantly lower than the 751 recorded at the same point in 2024.
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of the King’s Fund, said: “Today’s data confirms that the NHS is entering the most challenging period of the year, with pressures hitting the health and care service from all directions. Rising flu waves and industrial action are adding strain to a system already struggling to deliver timely care for patients. The flu season started unusually early this year and is yet to peak, so it is too soon to know how long this surge will continue.”
