The NHS has stated it is navigating 'calmer waters' but remains under severe strain as winter viruses, including flu and Covid-19, continue to circulate. New figures released on New Year's Eve show a complex picture: while flu infection rates have begun to steady, the health service is still grappling with intense pressure on hospital beds and staff.
Hospital Pressures and Winter Virus Data
According to the latest NHS England data, hospitals across the country are still operating at near-full capacity. An average of 95% of adult general and acute beds were occupied each day in the week leading up to Christmas, with a daily average of 94,118 patients in hospital. The number of people in hospital with flu did see a slight fall, but still surpassed 3,000 in the week before the festive period.
Other seasonal illnesses are adding to the burden. An average of 707 patients were in hospital with Covid-19, while norovirus led to 285 daily hospital admissions last week. This combination of respiratory and gastric viruses is creating a sustained challenge for healthcare teams during one of the busiest times of the year.
Vaccination Drive Shows Positive Impact
There is a significant piece of positive news in the battle against flu. The NHS reports that almost 18.5 million people have now received their flu vaccination. This represents half a million more people protected compared to the same point last winter, a crucial factor in preventing a more severe surge in cases.
Despite the pressures and ongoing industrial action by junior doctors, there are signs of improvement in some areas. Ambulance handover times have improved, with delays reduced by six minutes compared to the previous week and by more than 17 minutes compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, performance for the NHS 111 service improved, with over 80% of calls answered within a minute.
Officials Warn Service is 'Not Out of Danger'
Senior health officials have tempered any optimism with a stark warning. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, thanked staff and the public but emphasised that pressures remain 'incredibly high'. "While there are signs of improvement and the NHS is in calmer waters, we're not out of danger yet," she stated.
This warning comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber and yellow cold health alerts for England, with freezing temperatures forecast. The cold snap is expected to increase the risk to vulnerable people and could drive further demand for hospital services.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the early winter planning was 'paying off', citing improved ambulance times and the successful vaccination programme. However, he echoed the caution, stating, "we are not out of the woods yet, with flu continuing to be a challenge." He praised the 'professionalism and resilience' of NHS staff throughout the Christmas period.
The public is urged to continue using services appropriately: calling 999 or attending A&E only for life-threatening emergencies, and using NHS 111 online or by phone for other health concerns.
