World
January 8, 2025 13:56
united kingdom - Hospitals in the UK have declared a critical situation due to the pressure caused by the increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses.
Many hospitals in the UK have declared a critical situation due to the increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses. Last week, NHS announced that the number of patients hospitalized due to flu had exceeded 5,000 before the New Year, marking a four-fold increase. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Birmingham University Hospitals are the latest NHS-affiliated institutions to declare a 'critical situation' due to 'extraordinarily high demand' for emergency services. Patients have been advised to use alternative healthcare services.
Dr. Oliver Zuzan, Medical Director of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, stated that doctors are working intensively to treat patients as quickly as possible, but some individuals may have to wait longer due to prioritizing the most urgent cases.
'If your condition is not urgent, consider using other services such as your family doctor, local pharmacy, or outpatient treatment centers,' Zuzan said.
The website of Birmingham University Hospitals also warned that emergency services are already 'very busy.'
Hampshire Hospitals and Plymouth University Hospitals have also declared critical situations with similar warnings, highlighting the increased pressure on emergency services.
Health authorities in Surrey also announced that all hospitals in the region are under 'serious pressure.'
North Bristol Hospital also reported a significant increase in flu and respiratory illnesses, especially this month.
Pressure on the healthcare system: Last week, NHS announced that the number of hospitalized flu patients had exceeded 5,000 before the New Year, marking a four-fold increase.
The statement revealed that on Christmas Day, there were 4,102 flu patients in hospitals, and by December 29, this number had increased to 5,074, representing a roughly 25% increase.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated, 'This winter, the number of patients hospitalized due to flu has tripled compared to last year, putting a significant strain on the NHS.'