NHS leaders deeply worried about flu season hitting early
Responding to NHS England's warning that an early flu season could lead to a ‘long and drawn out’ winter, Rory Deighton, acute and community care director at the NHS Confederation, said:
“The flu season arriving early this year is deeply worrying given the signs were already pointing to another difficult winter. The NHS has already had a very busy summer and has been running hot coming into the winter months, so this will pile yet more pressure on already squeezed services.
“NHS leaders have been stepping up preparations for winter, but they are concerned that the spike in seasonal viruses coupled with staff sickness levels could also be compounded by forthcoming industrial action – with resident doctors planning five days of strikes in November.
“To protect themselves this winter we would urge people to get vaccinated against flu, Covid, and RSV if eligible and consider using alternatives to A&E – such as NHS 111, local pharmacies, and expanded on-the-day GP access – whenever appropriate. These simple steps can make a real difference in keeping patients safe, well and out of hospital."
