Dr. Ian Higginson warns of hospitals reaching capacity due to a combination of Covid, RSV, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Staff shortages and lack of beds force patients to wait in corridors and ambulances queue outside emergency departments.
UK hospitals are 'full to bursting' as patients continue to suffer from dangerous 'quad-demic' symptoms, a top doctor has warned. Dr Ian Higginson from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has warned of patients being kept in corridors, queueing ambulances, as well as bed and staff shortages .The College put out a call to senior managers last week, with around half saying they were 'full to bursting' ahead of the Christmas period.
UKHSA's most recent report showed cases of Covid and RSV - which causes colds and serious lung infections - stabilising, while flu cases are on the rise. Dr Higginson added that there aren't enough beds in hospitals for emergency care patients and how there are staff shortages too. England is around 10,000 beds short in hospitals to deal with 'predictable, urgent and emergency care', which would be the equivalent of approximately two wards in every hospital, the consultant added. This means patients are stuck in corridors, or their ambulances are stuck in car parks, as they can't be admitted to hospital emergency departments. He also called for greater investment in social care to prevent older patients from being stuck in hospital longer than they need to be, therefore helping to alleviate pressure on beds. The surging number of flu cases harkens back to Christmas 2022, when numbers started to ramp up before the festive period. The medical Director for flu vaccine manufacturer CSL Seqirus, said: 'Last year we saw a sudden increase in the number of people having to be hospitalised, due to a flu peak in the week leading up to Christmas. In the run up to Christmas, there was a 70 per cent surge in hospital cases of the flu in England in just seven days, the NHS said
Hospitals Quad-Demic Flu RSV Staff Shortages
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Welsh Hospitals Issue Urgent Warning Amidst High DemandHospitals in Wales are facing exceptionally high demand, leading to extended wait times for patients with less serious conditions. The Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is urging the public to only visit emergency departments in true emergencies, as staff work hard to prioritize the most seriously injured or ill patients. The health board is also asking people to be prepared to help loved ones who are being discharged from hospital.
Read more »
Amorim Calls for Manchester United Unity Amidst Low PointRuben Amorim, manager of Spurs, believes Manchester United are experiencing a challenging period and urges the team, including Marcus Rashford, to remain united and resilient. Amorim acknowledges the team's recent struggles but emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present and overcoming adversity.
Read more »
AI ambition is pushing copper to its breaking pointAyar Labs contends silicon photonics will be key to scaling beyond the rack and taming the heat
Read more »
Liverpool fans have reached their breaking point after Federico Chiesa update drops ahead of Girona gameLiverpool fans have been left less than happy after seeing a fresh update about Federico Chiesa ahead of their Champions League clash against Girona.
Read more »
World media on Rangers 'breaking point' as Celtic trophy record goes globalThe Hoops lifted the Premier Sports Cup after a thriller at Hampden
Read more »
Bin lorry mechanics at breaking point as council urged to invest in new fleetLisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) is facing pressure to invest in a new waste collection fleet after its ageing lorries caused problems for mechanics and residents.
Read more »