There were more patients in hospitals last week than at any other point so far this winter, as the number of norovirus cases in hospital continued to rise.
Data published this week, by the NHS, shows that 961 patients a day were in hospital with norovirus last week, up 7% on the week before and 69% higher than the same period last year (570 for the week ending 4 February 2024).
There were an average of 98,101 patients in hospital each day for the week – higher than at any point so far this winter. Around 96% of adult hospital beds were occupied, also a record for this winter.
Almost 1 in 7 beds (13,776) were taken up by patients who did not need to be in hospital and were well enough to be discharged – a record high for this winter.
Flu rates have dropped since last month’s peak, but more than 2,462 patients were still hospitalised with the illness on average each day last week, including 122 in critical care.
Other winter viruses are also continuing to circulate with almost 1,000 patients on average (952) in hospital with COVID-19 every day last week, a slight decrease on the previous 7 days (995); while 18 children on average were in hospital with RSV each day – a decrease from the previous week (28).
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, said: “Hospitals are continuing to treat hundreds of patients who are ill with the highly infectious and unpleasant norovirus bug, with the rate of cases at the highest level recorded for this time of year since 2020.
“The twin pressures of winter viruses and problems discharging patients means hospitals are close to full – even as more beds have been opened to manage the increased demand.
“While pressures on hospitals remains incredibly high, it’s vital people continue to use NHS services in the normal way – using 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only using 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.”
NHS leaders have put in place a series of measures this winter, including upgraded 24-hour co-ordination centres, support for frequent users of A&E services, strengthened same day emergency care and more care in the community.
For further information, visit: Statistics » Urgent and Emergency Care Daily Situation Reports 2024-25
