Health leaders have issued a stark warning that hospital admissions for flu in London could triple this winter, with the capital emerging as one of the worst-affected regions in the country. Public health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated immediately as an epidemic takes hold.
Record-Breaking Winter Pressures Forecast
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, has warned that last year's record of 5,408 hospital beds occupied by flu patients could be surpassed next week. He projected the figure could reach anywhere between 5,000 and 8,000 across England. Speaking on Thursday, Sir Jim described the situation as critical, with the health service "pulling all the stops out" to keep people safe.
He also expressed strong criticism of planned industrial action by doctors, labelling the decision as "cruel" and "calculated to cause mayhem". At an NHS board meeting, he stated the strike action had provoked "a genuine and palpable feeling of anger, frustration and exasperation" among healthcare colleagues.
London's Alarming Surge in Cases
Data reveals the scale of the crisis in the capital. An average of 259 flu patients occupied London hospital beds each day last week. This figure is triple the 89 patients recorded at the same time last year, according to reports.
Separate statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show the national rate of hospital admissions for flu rose sharply to 7.8 per 100,000 people last week, up from 4.8 the previous week. This is almost double the rate of 4.4 per 100,000 seen at this point in 2024.
The groups most vulnerable to severe illness are:
- People aged 85 and over (40.0 admissions per 100,000)
- Those aged 75 to 84 (21.4 per 100,000)
- Children aged four and under (21.2 per 100,000)
Urgent Call for Vaccination as Season Peaks
Health experts stress that low vaccination rates in London are a key factor making the city more vulnerable compared to other regions. The flu virus spreads through coughs and sneezes, with infection rates climbing in winter as people congregate indoors.
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King’s Fund health think tank, said: "The data confirms that the NHS is entering the most challenging period of the year... The flu season started unusually early this year and is yet to peak, so it is too soon to know how long this surge will be sustained for."
Appointments for the free flu jab can be booked through GP practices, via the NHS app, or by calling 119, where translation services are available. People can also search for 'NHS pharmacy vaccine' online. It takes roughly two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, so those at highest risk are urged to act without delay.
The following groups are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine:
- People aged 65 and over
- Those with certain long-term health conditions aged 6 to 65
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 and 3 (on 31 August)
- All primary and secondary school pupils up to Year 11
- Carers and frontline health and social care staff
In a small silver lining, the NHS situation report indicates that while flu patient numbers are at a record high for this time of year, hospitalisations for norovirus and Covid-19 are lower than in previous winters. An average of 263 beds were filled by patients with norovirus-like symptoms last week, compared to 756 at this point in 2024. Daily Covid-19 hospital admissions averaged 825, down from 1,390 the same week last year.
