New data shows how flu is skyrocketing in this region and around the country
Flu hospitalisations are soaring in Merseyside hospitals (Image: Liverpool Echo)
The NHS may be set to face its worst ever winter flu season as cases continue to soar in Merseyside and across the country.An average of 4,469 patients were in English hospitals with flu in the week ending Sunday December 29, according to the latest official figures.
That is five-times as many cases as the same time last year when there were an average of 942 in hospital with flu, and is more than double the average at the same time in 2022 when there were 2,088 flu patients in hospital.
A total of 4,102 people spent Christmas Day in hospital with flu this year, while the number of patients peaked on Sunday when there were 5,074.
Merseyside is also experiencing far more cases this year. There were an average of 125.3 patients in the region’s hospital beds in the week ending December 29. That’s up from 112.7 a week earlier and is almost three times as many as the same time last year when there were an average of 44.1.
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has more cases than any other trust in our region. There were an average of 52.3 patients sick with flu in the hospital in the week ending December 29.
That’s up from 48.7 a week earlier. Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust had an average of 46.4 people in beds with flu last week, while Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust had 18.1.
NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “The winter flu season has not only hit the NHS early this year, but it is potentially on track to be one of the worst we have ever seen, as the ‘quad-demic’ continues to increase pressure across services.
“Frontline NHS staff are currently under significant pressure – and as families and friends have gathered over the festive period and to celebrate the new year, we expect the peak of seasonal viruses is yet to come.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank NHS staff – despite huge demand, they continue to work tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care.
“And secondly I would like to remind the public that community services like GPs and pharmacies are open as usual for help and advice today and on Thursday and Friday.
“Anyone who needs medical support should continue to use services as normal – 999 and A&E only in an emergency, and for other urgent health needs, use NHS 111 or 111 online.”