NHS facing Christmas collapse over 'tidal wave' of flu and doctors' strike, Wes Streeting warns

It comes after NHS England said there are now enough flu patients to fill more than three whole hospital trusts in what has been described as its "worst-case scenario."

An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week – the highest ever for this time of year and up 55 per cent up on last week.

The number of norovirus patients in hospital beds has also risen by 35 per cent – to an average of 354 each day last week – as winter viruses start to engulf hospitals.

The spike comes as thousands of resident doctors are set to go on strike next week – sparking fears of major disruption for patients ahead of Christmas.

Ahead of taking LBC listener's calls on Friday, Mr Streeting warned of the devastating impacts of the double whammy crisis will have on the health service.

The Health Secretary said: "The whole NHS team is working around the clock to manage this incredibly precarious situation, and at Christmas strikes could be the Jenga piece that collapses the tower."

The walkout will take place from 7am on December 17 until December 22.

Wes Streeting joins Nick Ferrari on Friday at 9am for Call the Cabinet...

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Chemists are warning that those wanting to vaccinate themselves in the face of the flu surge could face long waits or trips to several pharmacies before finding an appointment.

Bosses have warned the total has already increased sharply since the week covered by the data, with no peak in sight.

Writing in the Times, Mr Streeting added that "the number of people in hospital could triple by the peak of the pressures" and that it would be the most challenging winter for the NHS since the pandemic.

The British Medical Association is asking its members to vote on whether the five-day strike should be called off, after receiving a new offer from Streeting.

The BMA is putting the new terms to members in an online vote that will close on Monday, less than 48 hours before the strike is due to start.

Some 106 flu patients were in critical care beds in England last week, up from 69 the previous week - also a record number for this time of the year.

Separately, an average of 354 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up 35 per cent from 263 the previous week.

This is lower than at this point last year, when the figure stood at 837.

The figures have been published in the latest weekly snapshot of the performance of hospitals in England this winter.

Weekly flu numbers in England peaked at 5,408 patients last winter and reached 5,441 over the winter of 2022/23, the highest level since the pandemic.

Dr Shreena Sharma, deputy chair of the BMA resident doctors committee, said she found it difficult to see members accepting this new offer because it fails to address the pay dispute.

"Let us remember, we had in 2022, a dispute on both pay and pensions. And this new offer has absolutely nothing on pay," she told Times Radio.

'Tidal wave'

Mr Streeting previously urged resident doctors "not to inflict further damage on the NHS."

He said: "There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals.

"We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible, including already getting over 17 million patients vaccinated, 170,000 more than this time last year, with over 60,000 more NHS staff also getting their jab.

"We have recruited 2,500 more GPs and modernised GP appointment booking, keeping patients cared for in the community and out of hospital.

"The offer I have made to the BMA would help solve the jobs problem resident doctors are facing, and bring an end to strike action this Christmas, which is the most dangerous time of year.

"I urge resident doctors not to inflict further damage on the NHS, vote for this deal, and call off the Christmas strikes."

'Vaccination is the best protection'

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients.

“The numbers of patients in hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year.

“Even worse, it continues to rise and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.

“NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate more people than last year, and with just a week left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I would urge anyone eligible for the vaccine to please book an appointment or visit a walk-in site as soon as possible.

"Vaccination is the best protection against getting potentially very ill and it also helps protect those around you.

“We have prepared earlier for winter than ever before, and stress-tested services to ensure people have a range of ways to get the help they need and avoid needing to go to A&E.

“For non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place, and use A&E and 999 for life threatening conditions and serious injuries.”

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which is responsible for four major hospitals in the city, declared a critical incident on Tuesday due to “extreme pressures” caused by the flu outbreak.

As a result, Brits have been warned to avoid the Trust's A&Es unless they are experiencing “life-threatening conditions.”

The public are advised to attend any planned appointments scheduled during the strikes unless they have been contacted to reschedule.