The frosty grasp of winter has cast a dark shadow over the healthcare system, as flu and Covid-19 admissions reach unprecedented levels. As if that wasn’t dire enough, the NHS finds itself entangled in the longest strike by junior doctors in its history, alongside a surge in seasonal viruses and a rise in staff sickness. The situation is growing increasingly grave, with health authorities cautioning that the worst is yet to come.
In the week leading up to December 31, the admission rate for flu patients surged to 6.8 per 100,000 people, marking the sixth consecutive weekly increase. This rise in flu admissions is labeled as having a “medium impact” on hospitals, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Even though the current levels are lower than last year, the influx of patients is expected to strain NHS hospitals in England.
Admissions for Covid-19 patients have also been climbing, standing at 5.2 per 100,000 people for the same week, marking the fifth consecutive weekly increase. Additionally, flu admissions are particularly high among those aged 85 and over, with a rate of 36.1 per 100,000 people. Even children aged four and under have seen a substantial increase in flu admissions.
Adding to the healthcare woes, the ongoing junior doctors’ strike, which commenced on January 3, has already resulted in the rescheduling of 1.2 million inpatient and outpatient appointments. Stemming from a prolonged dispute over pay, this strike is posing significant challenges for the NHS during one of its busiest and most challenging weeks of the year.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s medical director, has underscored the severity of the situation, stating, “The health service is experiencing the winter pressures of flu and Covid combined with the huge disruption of industrial action.” He emphasized the immense strain on hospitals and other NHS services, acknowledging the very challenging position that the healthcare system finds itself in at the start of the year.
In the face of these challenges, preparations are in place to support both staff and patients, but it is acknowledged that the ongoing strike action will have a lasting impact on the healthcare system in the weeks and months ahead. Data on hospital performance in England published on Fridays is expected to shed more light on the situation, including ambulance handover delays and the occupancy of hospital beds by patients with flu, Covid-19, or norovirus.
In light of these developments, eligible individuals have been urged to speak to their GPs about flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, with local pharmacies offering both bookable flu and walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations for free on the NHS. The aim is to mitigate the impact of the ongoing surge in flu and Covid-19, particularly for vulnerable groups such as those aged over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Indeed, these are challenging times for the healthcare sector, as it grapples with the dual threats of flu and Covid-19 while contending with strikes and other seasonal viruses. Despite the obstacles, healthcare workers remain steadfast in their commitment to providing the best care possible for patients, and efforts are underway to navigate through these difficult times and support both staff and patients alike.
