Health leaders say the NHS is facing extraordinary pressure for after amber cold weather alerts were issued across England, fuelling fears of a new wave of hospital admissions.
Data published on Wednesday showed that the number of flu patients in hospital has begun to level off, but officials warned that colder temperatures could quickly worsen the situation.
An average of 3,061 flu patients were admitted daily in the week ending 21 December, slightly down from 3,140 the previous week.
Despite this, NHS England said hospitals remain under intense strain, with around 95 per cent of beds currently occupied.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that amber cold health alerts would be in force in every region of England from 8pm on Wednesday until 10am next Tuesday.
Previously, only the north-east and north-west were under amber alerts, while other regions had yellow warnings. Amber alerts indicate weather conditions likely to have serious impacts on health and social care services.
UKHSA health protection consultant Dr Paul Coleman warned that very low temperatures could pose serious risks, particularly for older people and those with existing health conditions.
He said exposure to cold increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, urging people to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.
NHS figures also showed a slight fall in the number of flu patients in critical care, as well as a decline in cases of norovirus-like illness.
However, NHS England medical director Prof Meghana Pandit said pressures remain extremely high and the service is “not out of danger yet” as temperatures are expected to drop further.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed the warning, while NHS leaders stressed that high bed occupancy and delays in discharging patients continue to place heavy strain on hospitals.
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