Overview
- The number of people in hospital with flu is at a record level for this point in the season, including a 33% rise in the south-east, according to NHS England.
- Hospital leaders in London and Surrey report emergency departments are already under intense pressure, with falls, alcohol-related injuries and winter bugs expected to increase over the holidays.
- GP practices will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and some pharmacies have reduced hours, so people are directed to NHS 111 online or by phone for urgent advice.
- NHS 111 can triage symptoms, arrange clinical call-backs and provide 24/7 urgent mental health support to help patients access the right care without unnecessary A&E visits.
- Recently ended resident doctors’ strikes have added to backlogs as leaders urge vaccination, regular handwashing, staying home when ill, early prescription collection and help with timely hospital discharges.