Flu hospitalizations Surge in England, Up 56% Year-on-year
Hospital admissions for influenza in England have risen sharply, increasing by 56% compared to the same period last year, according to newly released data from NHS England. The figures, part of the health service’s first weekly winter performance snapshot, reveal an average of 1,717 flu patients occupied hospital beds each day last week, wiht 69 requiring critical care.
Last year, the corresponding figure was 1,098 patients.
“The figures confirmed that the NHS was entering the most challenging period of the year, with pressures hitting the health and care service from all directions,” stated Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of the King’s Fund. “Rising flu waves and industrial action are all adding strain to a system which is already struggling to deliver timely care for patients.”
Woolnough added that the flu season began earlier than usual and has yet to reach its peak, making the duration of the current surge uncertain.
the data also indicated that 30% of patients arriving at English hospitals by ambulance last week experienced delays of at least 30 minutes before being transferred to A&E departments – a slight improvement from 36% the previous week.
Further details are expected to be released shortly.
