A rising number of flu patients have been admitted to hospital this winter. Recent weekly figures from the NHS show that compared to the previous week, 40% more flu patients are taking up general and acute beds, with a 90% increase of patients placed in critical care. In response to the surge of patients, the NHS has opened more beds than they have before for the winter period, and had offered vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
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‘Nursing staff are battling to hold the service together,’ said Executive Director of RCN England Patricia Marquis. ‘The situation is made even worse by the strains in social and community care. Lack of care available close to home means more patients are forced to use A&E or are stuck in hospital beds when they are ready to return home.’
Around 28.5 million vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and RSV have already been delivered this year, and NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis urged people to get their vaccinations, stating that ‘the NHS has been making it as easy as possible for people to get protected with a jab, including vaccination centres in supermarket car parks and football clubs.’
Professor Powis also issued a warning for the upcoming festive period, saying ‘as children finish school and friends and families congregate over the Christmas period we expect viruses to continue to spread so if you haven’t got your flu jab and are eligible please come forward, and the public should think twice about seeing loved ones if they are seriously unwell.’