Bumpy ride for NHS this winter as norovirus cases spike again

Responding to the latest winter data from NHS England, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"It’s been a bumpy ride for the NHS this winter.

"It’s worrying that we are seeing record-breaking pressure across much of the health service this winter despite the tireless efforts of trust leaders and frontline teams who are doing their level best to provide high quality care and to see patients as quickly as possible in very challenging circumstances.

"While we finally seemed to have turned a corner with flu, norovirus cases have spiked yet again, hitting a five-year high for this time of year.

"Pressure on hospital beds and delayed discharges have also hit new highs for this winter.

"The increase in ambulance handover delays, which has knock-on effect from the NHS front door to the back door, is also a cause for concern.

"This is sign of just how much pressure the service has come under this winter - one of the worst many trust leaders have ever seen.

"In the face of all of these challenges, new analysis showing a boost in productivity is testament to the hard work and determination of NHS staff."