What is causing the current pressure on the NHS in Britain?

The NHS is experiencing significant pressure due to a record flu season, particularly an aggressive strain called H3N2, alongside a surge in norovirus cases.

What are the concerns raised by the Royal College of Nursing leader?

The RCN leader warns that the increasing hospitalizations from flu are leading to unsafe patient care and that wards could be overwhelmed.

What specific measures does the RCN suggest to alleviate NHS pressure?

The RCN calls for urgent government investment to increase nurse staffing, boost hospital bed capacity, and improve community and social care services.

Home / Health / UK Nurses Fear NHS Overwhelmed by Record Flu

UK Nurses Fear NHS Overwhelmed by Record Flu

11 Dec

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Summary

An aggressive flu strain, H3N2, is causing severe illness across Britain.
Flu hospitalizations rose 55% last week, with norovirus up 35%.
Nurses worry about maintaining patient safety due to overflowing wards.

UK Nurses Fear NHS Overwhelmed by Record Flu

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is facing unprecedented pressure due to a record flu season, prompting grave concerns from top nursing leaders. Professor Nicola Ranger, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), has warned that medics fear the service is becoming unsafe as hospitalizations due to flu, particularly the aggressive H3N2 strain dubbed 'superflu', reach their highest recorded levels for this time of year.

Recent NHS England data revealed a significant 55% increase in flu hospitalizations in the past week, coinciding with a 35% surge in norovirus cases. Professor Ranger highlighted that wards and emergency departments were already at capacity, and the rising flu numbers could soon overwhelm them. Nursing staff are deeply concerned about their ability to provide safe and dignified care, especially with peak season not yet arrived and corridor care already prevalent.