Winter flu surge is adding to immense pressures across the NHS

Recent reports, like those highlighted by The Guardian, underscore the immense ongoing pressures across the NHS.

The NHS is facing a worst‑case scenario this winter, with hospital flu cases in England jumping 55% week‑on‑week. An average of 2,660 flu patients were in hospital each day last week (up from 1,717) - a record level for this time of year. As reported, the NHS national medical director warns this “unprecedented wave of super flu” is straining services across the country.

Across many hospitals, wards are filling with acutely unwell - often elderly - patients who cannot be safely discharged due to limited step‑down and community capacity. This leads to bed blocking, longer waits in A&E, delayed ambulance handovers, and system‑wide knock‑on effects, including the postponement of elective surgeries, outpatient appointments, and diagnostics.

At Mildmay, conversely, we have empty beds and a specialist multidisciplinary team ready to provide step‑down care, stabilisation, and rehabilitation. By enabling appropriate, supported discharge from acute wards, including those experiencing homelessness, Mildmay can:

• Help to free up acute beds to improve patient flow and reduce A&E bottlenecks

• Provide stabilisation and tailored rehabilitation in a safe, clinically-led setting

• Reduce cancellations and delays for elective care by easing inpatient capacity pressures

• Ensure patients receive continued care with wraparound support to prepare for community discharge.

Mildmay can provide safe capacity quickly and we are ready to work with NHS partners at pace. Together, we can protect acute services, restore patient flow, and deliver better outcomes this winter.

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