Dozens of flu-hit patients are still being treated in Stoke-on-Trent’s main hospital – and the situation is only expected to get worse. Latest figures show 88 flu patients were being treated at the Royal Stoke University Hospital and at County Hospital, in Stafford, on Tuesday, January 7.
It comes as the two hospitals had an average of 103 flu patients admitted to beds in the week ending December 29. That was up from 94 patients a week earlier – and much higher than the 25 patients in the same week last year.
Now it is feared that the number of patients will increase further as more people are struck down with flu following Christmas and New Year festivities. Royal Stoke has been in the grip of a critical incident since New Year’s Day.
Royal Stoke chief medical officer Matthew Lewis said: “As of 7 January there were 88 adult inpatient cases of flu across Royal Stoke and County Hospital with this figure likely to increase. After the festive period and attendance at social gatherings we are likely to see an increase in all respiratory infections during the next few weeks with flu likely to peak within the next two weeks.
“The public can support our hospitals and reduce pressures on our services by making sure they are vaccinated against flu and Covid-19, and only attending A&E in an emergency. Urgent medical advice is available through NHS 111, local pharmacies, GPs, or walk in centres. I also ask patients and visitors with symptoms of flu, norovirus, Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses to avoid coming to hospital unless absolutely necessary.”
The NHS is experiencing a ‘quad-demic’ of illnesses this winter. These are flu, Covid, norovirus, and respiratory illnesses.
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “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. I’d like to thank NHS staff – despite huge demand, they continue to work tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care.”
Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE