UK flu surge overwhelms hospitals: Patients waiting up to 91 hours in emergency rooms

The United Kingdom is facing a severe flu outbreak, with hospital admissions surging and emergency rooms struggling to cope, according to reports from British media. Some patients have reportedly waited up to 91 hours to be seen in emergency rooms, while the average wait time for many cases is around 50 hours. Several hospitals have declared "critical incidents" due to the overwhelming demand.

Data from the National Health Service England shows that flu-related hospitalizations increased fourfold between Nov. 29 and Dec. 29 last year. On Dec. 29 alone, 5,074 flu patients were hospitalized, compared to just 1,190 on Nov. 29. During peak periods, hospitals were inundated with patients seeking emergency care. For instance, a patient at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital reportedly waited 91 hours in the emergency department before receiving treatment.

A growing number of hospitals have declared critical incidents, including Royal Liverpool University Hospital, University Hospitals Plymouth, University Hospitals Birmingham, Royal Cornwall Hospitals, Hampshire Hospitals, and Northampton General Hospital.

Related News:

Flu outbreak in Japan: Over 210,000 cases in one week, HK tourists affected

1-minute News | Minimizing influenza viruses risk through prevention