NHS issues ‘worst ever’ winter flu warning with worst ‘yet to come’

This winter’s flu season is potentially on track to become one of the worst ever, a health chief has warned.

The warning from Professor Sir Stephen Powis comes as high levels of Covid, norovirus and flu are already putting paramedics under “severe pressure”.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust in the West Midlands has already declared a critical incident due to an increased number of people seeking hospital care for respiratory illnesses.

England’s top doctor, Professor Sir Stephen, has also warned that the peak of this year’s flu season is yet to come.

NHS England’s National Medical Director said the “quad-demic” of flu, Covid, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to pressure services.

He 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.”

Professor Powis thanked NHS staff, saying that despite huge demand, they continue working tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide the best possible care.

He reminded the public that community services such as GPs and pharmacies are open as usual for help and advice today (Wednesday) and on Thursday and Friday.

Anna Parry, managing director of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), said all ambulance services in the UK are under severe pressure due to the winter period and high levels of demand because of viruses such as Covid, flu and norovirus.

She said: “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 declared a critical incident on Monday. It has since been stood down, but pressures remain.

Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations, told the BBC: “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 currently operating at level four, the highest level of its resource escalation action plan.

Level four translates to severe pressure, with the potential risk of the service breaking down.

Anyone in need of medical support should continue to use services as normal. Call 999 only in an emergency. For other urgent health needs, use NHS 111 or 111 online.