York NHS trust treating ‘significant number’ of flu patients

A York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said the amount of seasonal flu patients is a “higher number than we would typically expect at this time of year”.

NHS figures showed the trust was treating an average of 28 flu patients per day last week – an increase of six compared to the same period last year.

The trust spokesperson urged people feeling unwell or who have been in close contact with someone with flu or norovirus not to visit friends and relatives in hospital.

They said anyone who has been unwell should wait until they have been clear of symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting a hospital.

“As we head into winter pressures, it’s really important that we protect our patients from highly contagious winter infections,” the trust spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the trust has “plans in place” to manage the additional demand but urged people to get vaccinated against flu.

“Vaccines are the best defence and can help prevent our services from becoming overwhelmed,” they said.

“Whilst flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for others. 

“The flu vaccine gives the most effective protection against the virus and can help stop it spreading to those who are most vulnerable. 

“If you haven’t already had your flu vaccine and are eligible to do so, we urge you to book your vaccination as soon as possible.”

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The surge in flu cases in York comes as NHS chiefs warn that cases continue to rise nationally with no peak in sight.

Flu hospitalisations have surged by more than half in just one week, according to new NHS figures.

An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week – the highest ever for this time of year and up 55 per cent up on last week.

It means there are enough flu patients each day to fill more than three whole hospital trusts.

The number of norovirus patients in hospital beds has also risen by 35 per cent – to an average of 354 each day last week – as winter viruses start to engulf hospitals.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said the “unprecedented wave of super flu” has left 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”.

“NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate more people than last year, and with just a week left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I would urge anyone eligible for the vaccine to please book an appointment or visit a walk-in site as soon as possible,” Prof Pandit said.