This winter’s flu season could be one of the worst on record, according to a top health official. Professor Sir Stephen Powis has issued a stark warning as the NHS faces severe strain from high levels of Covid, norovirus, and flu cases.
Paramedics are already experiencing “severe pressure” due to the influx of patients. The Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust in the West Midlands has declared a critical incident amid a surge in hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses. England’s chief doctor, Professor Sir Stephen, cautioned that the worst of this year’s flu season is still ahead.
NHS England’s National Medical Director highlighted the challenges posed by the “quad-demic” of flu, Covid, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is putting additional stress on healthcare services. He stated: “The winter flu season has not only hit the NHS early this year, but it is potentially on track to be one of the worst we have ever seen, as the ‘quad-demic’ continues to increase pressure across services.
“Frontline NHS staff are currently under significant pressure – and as families and friends have gathered over the festive period and to celebrate the new year, we expect the peak of seasonal viruses is yet to come,” reports the Express.
Professor Powis expressed his gratitude towards NHS staff who, despite facing immense demand, are working relentlessly to ensure patient safety and deliver the highest standard of care. Managing director of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), Anna Parry, highlighted the extreme pressures UK ambulance services are experiencing this winter due to a surge in demand from illnesses like Covid, flu and norovirus. She urged: “We are asking the public to help us by only calling 999 in an emergency, using 111 for non-emergency health needs, and doing their best to be respectful to our people who are working hard to treat as many patients as possible at this busy time of year.”
The Welsh Ambulance Service, which recently experienced a critical incident before it was deescalated, still faces ongoing pressure. Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations, spoke to the BBC, saying: “While the critical incident is behind us, significant pressures remain, and it’s really important that the public play their part to protect our precious resources for those who need them most.”
East Midlands Ambulance Service is also operating at level four—its highest alert, indicative of severe pressure and the danger of service breakdown. The directive for the public remains clear: Call 999 only in life threatening situations, but continue to seek medical attention as usual for other urgent health issues via NHS 111 or 111 online.