How many patients were in NHS hospitals this Christmas?

There were over 5,000 fewer patients in hospital this Christmas Day compared to last year, with 78.8 per cent of beds occupied.

What was the impact of the resident doctors' strike on NHS services?

Despite a week of strikes before Christmas, NHS staff maintained almost 95% of planned care, including tests and operations.

Did NHS 111 see an increase in calls during the Christmas week?

Yes, NHS 111 received over 87,000 calls on Saturday, December 27, and a total of 414,562 calls during Christmas week, indicating high demand.

Home / Health / NHS Bed Occupancy Drops Below 80% This Christmas

NHS Bed Occupancy Drops Below 80% This Christmas

6 Jan

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Summary

Fewer than 5,000 patients occupied hospital beds on Christmas Day compared to last year.
Nearly 95% of planned care, including tests and operations, was delivered despite industrial action.
NHS 111 received over 87,000 calls on Saturday, December 27, a two-year high.

NHS Bed Occupancy Drops Below 80% This Christmas

This Christmas, UK hospitals saw a notable decrease in patient numbers, with over 5,000 fewer individuals in beds compared to the previous year, achieving an occupancy rate below 80%. This success was managed despite a week of industrial action by resident doctors in the preceding days. NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey commended staff for enabling thousands of patients to return home for the holidays.

Remarkably, NHS staff managed to cover for striking doctors while maintaining almost 95% of normal activity for tests and operations. This effort occurred amidst an early rise in winter viruses, which presented additional challenges. Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed gratitude for the staff's dedication during this difficult winter period.