Hospitals treating record numbers of flu patients but worst is yet to come as medical bosses urge people to get vaccinated
The NHS is bracing for its worst ever winter crisis in the next fortnight because of a worsening “flu-nami” that has left hospitals, GP surgeries and ambulances services under intense strain.
Hospitals are already treating record numbers of people seriously ill because of flu for the time of year. But things will get worse in the days ahead, NHS leaders said, as medical bosses urged people to get vaccinated against the virus so they can enjoy Christmas gatherings more safely.
Keir Starmer and the health secretary, Wes Streeting, have launched a coordinated assault on the British Medical Association for its “irresponsible” decision to call thousands of resident doctors in England out on strike next week.
They urged resident – formerly junior – doctors to endorse the government’s latest offer to settle the long-running pay and jobs dispute and avoid the NHS having to grapple with a five-day strike due to start next Wednesday that has caused huge alarm in the service.
