Hospitals experience busiest week of winter so far

Hospitals in England have just had their busiest week of this winter so far.

More than 98,000 patients, on average, were in hospital beds each day last week – the highest level this winter – with 96% of adult beds occupied.

It comes as Norovirus cases continue to climb – with nearly 1,000 beds occupied by patients with the vomiting bug – but flu cases continue fall, after peaking in January.

Nearly 13,800 patients were in hospital even though medically fit to be discharged – a record high this winter.

NHS England emergency-care director Prof Julian Redhead said: “The twin pressures of winter viruses and problems discharging patients means hospitals are close to full – even as more beds have been opened to manage the increased demand.

“While pressures on hospitals remains incredibly high, it’s vital people continue to use NHS services in the normal way – using 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only using 999 or attending A&E in life-threatening emergencies.”

The rising pressures on hospitals have led to reports of patients facing long delays in A&E and ambulance queuing outside.

Last month the Royal College of Nursing warned lives were being put at risk by what they called corridor care with patients having to be treated in makeshift areas including car parks, cupboards and nursing stations.

Saffron Cordery, of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, said it has been a difficult few months.

“It’s worrying that we are seeing record-breaking pressure despite the tireless efforts of trust leaders and frontline teams who are doing their level best to provide high quality care and to see patients as quickly as possible in very challenging circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Amy Douglas, from the UK Health Security Agency, said it was essential for the public to take precautions against Norovirus which was at levels “way above what we would usually see”.

“Just because you’ve had norovirus doesn’t mean you won’t get it again.

“It’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on.

“Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.

“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.

“This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick.”