NHS warns patients of rise in flu cases in Aylesbury's region and ongoing industrial action
NHS bosses have warned the flu cases are higher within the region covering Aylesbury than they were at this time last year.
Patients are also being urged to use health services correctly ahead of Christmas as services will also be impacted by ongoing industrial action.
Latest data for the South East of England, which covers Aylesbury, shows that 20% more patients were admitted to hospital with flu last week across the region than in the same week in 2024 (2,144 patients compared to 1,779).
Further NHS data confirmed that 728 more patients were in hospital with flu across the South East last week than in the previous week.
A spokesperson for NHS England said: “Hospitals across the South East remain on alert as flu admissions continue to climb coupled with ongoing industrial action by resident doctors.”
Resident doctors within the British Medical Association are striking against the Government in response to concerns over training and lack of guarantees of a restoration to doctors’ pay. Data unveiled by the association shows that doctors’ pay is 20% lower in real terms than it was in 2008, when accounting for inflation during that time period.
Resident doctors, who were previously known as junior doctors, will not be attending their shifts until 7am on Monday December 22.
A spokesperson for NHS England added: “In response to the rising cases, several acute trusts in the region have introduced mask wearing to help prevent the spread of flu and other winter viruses, including norovirus.”
It is hoped that patients will use services ‘wisely’ during this busy period.
Dr Christopher Tibbs, medical director for NHS South East, said: “We are seeing more patients admitted with flu than at this point last year, and this rise is coinciding with industrial action. That combination places real strain on our hospitals and staff. The NHS is still here for you, but we need the public’s support — please help us keep emergency departments free for those who need them most by using NHS 111 online, pharmacies and GP services for non-urgent care.”
Residents are reminded to only attend A&E and call 999 in genuine emergencies.