NHS feeling the heat as flu surge adds to winter pressure

Latest NHS England figures show:

• Flu cases still rising rapidly – up 70% on last week, 3.5 times higher than same time last year
• Busiest November on record for A&E
• Despite huge pressure, record numbers of planned treatment, tests and checks in October
• Number of patients waiting longer than 18 weeks lowest since June 2023

Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"The NHS is feeling the heat as winter intensifies pressure on already stretched services, with soaring numbers of people in hospital with flu and other seasonal viruses. 

"There was a big jump too in the number of most serious ambulance incidents.

"Resilient trust leaders and staff are giving it all they’ve got to see patients as quickly as possible and it’s great to see the total waiting list come down again.

"The NHS is providing record numbers of treatments, diagnostic tests and checks – higher than pre-pandemic levels - but is still under huge strain at this busy time of year.

"Persistent demand keeps piling pressure on hospital, ambulance, community and mental health services tackling huge financial and operational challenges every day but trust leaders and staff are meeting those challenges head-on."