New data from NHS England reveals a worrying increase in flu patient numbers across the region’s trusts, with some facilities nearing full capacity.
The latest figures show significant increases in flu admissions across NHS trusts in the region, with Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust seeing the sharpest rise.
This spike in cases has placed an immense strain on hospital resources, with NHS leaders warning that the winter pressures are “nowhere near letting up.”
Nationally, flu-related hospital admissions rose to 4,469 per day in the first week of January—a 17 per cent increase from the previous week.
Of these patients, 211 required critical care.
The stats below show the average number of flu patients at south London hospitals per day during the week ending January 5, 2025, compared with the previous week ending December 29, 2024:
- Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust: 74 (up from 52)
- Croydon Health Services: 49 (up from 37)
- Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals: 44 (up from 34)
- Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust: 37 (up from 28)
- King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: 56 (up from 51)
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust reported that 94 per cent of its general and acute beds were occupied in the week ending December 29, 2024, compared with the national average of 89 per cent.
Similarly, Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust reported a bed occupancy rate of 96 per cent in the same period, further demonstrating the challenge faced by local NHS facilities.
In response to the growing crisis, hospitals in Lewisham and Greenwich have reintroduced mandatory face mask policies.
Visitors and patient-facing staff at University Hospital Lewisham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Mary’s Hospital, and other community sites are now required to wear masks to prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses.
According to NHS Lewisham & Greenwich Trust, the move is essential to “protect our communities from these viruses.”
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the National Medical Director for NHS England, said: “It is clear that hospitals are under exceptional pressure at the start of this new year, with mammoth demand stemming from this ongoing cold weather snap and respiratory viruses like flu – all on the back of 2024 being the busiest year on record for A&E and ambulance teams.
“I never fail to be impressed by the remarkable job that NHS staff across a range of services (are doing) in the face of current challenges, remaining compassionate, professional and doing everything they can to see patients as quickly as possible while often working in hospitals that are full to bursting.
“It is hard to quantify just through the data how tough it is for frontline staff at the moment – with some staff working in A&E saying that their days at work feel like some of the days we had during the height of the pandemic.”