Several NHS hospitals across the UK, including those in Plymouth, Birmingham, Hampshire, and Liverpool, have officially announced critical incidents in response to overwhelming demand caused by a rise in winter viruses and recent cold weather. The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust reported extreme pressures across its services, with Chief Nurse Margaret Garbett noting that they are currently treating over 300 patients with flu who require hospital admission. To manage the situation, the hospital has initiated measures such as mandatory mask-wearing in all departments.

At University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, more than 300 individuals sought emergency care at Derriford Hospital in a single day, with around 200 needing to be admitted. The trust has indicated that if patients do not have emergencies or life-threatening conditions, they may be re-routed to other healthcare services given the current overcrowding in the emergency department. Meanwhile, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also declared a critical incident due to continuous pressures at its Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals, experiencing high admission rates and a significant number of patients with infectious diseases needing isolation.

The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, responding to a surge in flu cases, has urged patients to consult their GPs or call 111, as some have faced waits of up to 91 hours in A&E. A spokesperson for the hospital emphasized the huge demand for care and treatment, especially concerning flu and respiratory illnesses. They have also called on visitors to adopt preventive measures against the spread of winter viruses, such as regular handwashing and wearing masks in clinical areas when necessary. In recent days, other NHS trusts like NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin and Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust have also declared critical incidents.

Data from the NHS indicates a significant spike in patients hospitalized with flu, with numbers increasing from 1,190 at the end of November to over 5,000 by late December. Health officials expressed concerns over rising infection rates and reported that many trusts are experiencing the highest level of Christmas-related pressures seen in years. Professor Julian Redhead, NHS’s national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, highlighted that the pressure from flu cases showed no signs of easing as the New Year approached, prompting hospitals to add extra capacity by opening an additional 1,300 beds.

As infections are expected to rise further due to holiday gatherings, Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the challenges facing the NHS, expressing regret over the experiences of patients facing long wait times. He has advised non-urgent patients to consider alternative care options, such as reaching out to their GP, visiting a pharmacy, or utilizing NHS 111 services, indicating that they should prepare for significant delays in A&E.