THE number of patients with flu in hospital has increased by two-thirds in one week, NHS figures show.

The increase comes amid significant pressure on the NHS services, with 1,939 flu cases in hospitals across England every day last week. 

This is a sharp rise compared to the figure of 1,162 from the week before.

Furthermore, the number of flu patients in intensive care has also rapidly increased with 149 patients compared to 87 the week before, a percentage increase of more than 70%.

In mid-December last year, the NHS only had two flu patients a day in critical care and 32 in general and acute beds (week ending 19 Dec).

NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “As well as the impact of industrial action last week, it is clear that the NHS is facing enormous pressure ahead of Christmas with the number of flu cases in hospital and in intensive care rising week-on-week, on top of significant increases in staff sickness rates and near-record demand for services like 111.

“Despite this, NHS staff continue to deliver a significant amount for patients – dealing with near record 111 calls as well as continuing to make progress on covid-19 backlogs. 

“With more industrial action scheduled for next week, there will be disruption but we urge the public to continue to use services wisely by continuing to call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, use 111 online for other health conditions, and take sensible steps to keep yourself and others safe.

“The NHS has prepared for winter extensively with more beds, extra call handlers as well as the expansion of falls response services, control centres and respiratory hubs, but with flu hospitalisations and Covid cases on the rise, the best things you can do to protect yourself is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.”

An average of 19 in 20 general and acute beds have been occupied.

The large number of beds taken up in hospitals was due to 13,697 patients on average each day who were stuck in hospital despite being medically fit to leave.

This is despite a huge effort by the NHS to boost bed capacity, with 100,101 general and acute beds open a day last week compared to 90,621 this time last year.