The NHS is preparing for one of its toughest winters yet, facing a surge in flu cases alongside planned strike action by resident doctors later this month.
New figures show an average of 1,717 people were in hospital beds each day last week due to flu – the highest number ever recorded at this stage of winter. Cases are 10 times higher than the same week in 2023 and more than 50% higher than last year, with NHS leaders warning there is no sign of a peak.
The rising pressure is expected to coincide with industrial action organised by the BMA, which could see thousands of resident doctors walk out during the busy Christmas period. NHS England has criticised the timing, warning it will create additional anxiety for patients and strain for staff already under pressure.
Despite these challenges, the NHS says its early winter planning is showing results. More than 16.9 million flu vaccinations have already been delivered – 350,000 more than this time last year – helping boost public immunity before Christmas.
Ambulance services also reported rising demand, handing over 99,000 patients last week, yet handover times were almost 10 minutes faster than last winter. Calls to NHS 111 increased by more than 11,000 compared with the same week in 2024, highlighting the growing strain on urgent care.
Officials are urging the public to use NHS services wisely this winter. Pharmacies can now assess and treat a wider range of common conditions, nearly all GP practices offer online consultation requests, and more urgent treatment centres are opening across England to take pressure off A&E.
Professor Julian Redhead, National Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, said:
“Today’s numbers confirm our deepest concerns. We are bracing for an unprecedented flu wave and ballooning cases coinciding with strikes may stretch staff close to breaking point. With only weeks until Christmas, I urge anyone eligible to come forward for a flu jab.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said early action had improved ambulance performance compared to last year but warned progress could be jeopardised by industrial action.
“We will do all we can to weather this storm,” he said. “With better planning, record investment and modernisation, we can build a more resilient NHS for this winter and beyond.”