The NHS is under sustained winter strain as the country approaches another cold spell, with hospitals seeing their busiest mid‑January activity since before the pandemic.
Data for the week ending 18 January show general and acute bed occupancy at 94.5% — the highest mid‑January level recorded since 2020. Much of the extra demand has been driven by an increase in norovirus cases, and forecasters expect an incoming cold snap to add further pressure.
Last week an average of 823 patients per day were in hospital with norovirus, the highest daily average this winter — a 45% rise on the previous week and more than double the average of 361 from two weeks earlier.
There are some positive signs: average ambulance handover times fell to 37 minutes 22 seconds last week, down from 42 minutes 51 seconds the week before. December’s A&E performance also improved, with 73.8% of patients admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours — the best December result in five years.
NHS National Medical Director Professor Meghana Pandit said the rise in norovirus is adding to hospital pressures and warned the service is monitoring the situation closely ahead of the forecast cold weather. She credited staff planning and effort for shorter waiting times this winter and urged people to seek care when needed. To reduce spread she advised regular handwashing with soap and water and asked anyone with symptoms to avoid work, school or visiting hospitals until they have been symptom‑free for 48 hours. Anyone with severe or persistent symptoms should contact NHS 111 or their GP.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting thanked NHS teams for delivering extra vaccinations and local plans to protect patients, but cautioned that pressures remain high with the incoming cold snap. He pointed to government winter measures including a £450 million investment to boost urgent and emergency care and the addition of 500 ambulances this winter.
Cold‑weather guidance and tips for staying warm are available on NHS.uk. People are encouraged to check on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours and to use 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for health advice.