The number of patients in East Lancashire hospitals with flu rose by a third last week, as the NHS warns of unprecedented demand and winter pressure on services.
Data from NHS England shows in the week ending December 7, there were 13 patients in hospital with flu at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, up from 10 the previous week.
Meanwhile, at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Preston, the figure more than doubled in a week, rising to 21 in the week ending December 7 from 10 seven days earlier.
Across the North West, there has been a 36 per cent rise in the number of flu patients in hospital, with more than 400 people being treated as of last week.
Elsewhere in Lancashire, there are 43 people in hospital with flu in Blackpool, up from 40 the week before, while at Mersey and West Lancashire it is 26, up from 16, and at Morecambe Bay it is 25, up from 11.
NHS England said the flu cases have plunged the health service into a “worst case scenario” for December, with the number of cases nationally up 55 per cent in a week.
NHS chiefs have warned the total has already increased sharply since the week covered by the data, with no peak in sight.
The number of norovirus patients in hospital beds has also risen by 35 per cent, furthering the strain on services.
Accident and Emergency departments continue to see huge numbers of patients turning up, even despite repeated messaging to people to use minor injuries units, NHS 111 to identify their best course of treatment, and to speak to their GP or local pharmacist.
More than 17 million flu jabs have been administered this year, with the largest uptake being by pensioners, though the number of clinically vulnerable under 65s and pregnant women coming forward to be vaccinated remains stubbornly low.
This all comes against the impending threat of strike action by doctors over pay and working conditions, despite a sizeable pay award in recent months.
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Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said: “This unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients.
“The number of patients in hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year.
“Even worse, it continues to rise, and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.”
Dr Michael Gregory, medical director at NHS England in the North West, said: “Increases in the early wave of super flu cases and upcoming industrial action are all adding to usual winter pressures.
“We are asking eligible people to come forward for flu vaccinations as soon as they can to ensure they get this important protection and to avoid becoming seriously ill.
“The flu vaccine is our best defence against the flu virus, and it also helps to reduce pressure on hospitals and hard-working NHS staff who will be working flat out over the festive season.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting added: “There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals.
“We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible.
“The offer I have made to the BMA would help solve the jobs problem resident doctors are facing, and bring an end to strike action this Christmas, which is the most dangerous time of year.
“I urge resident doctors not to inflict further damage on the NHS, vote for this deal, and call off the Christmas strikes.”
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