Flu cases in Wales have risen to medium intensity levels, with health officials warning that the peak is still weeks away. The number of flu-related hospital admissions is triple what it was at the same time last year, marking an earlier and more intense start to the flu season.
According to BBC report, latest data reveals over 650 community flu cases recorded last week, with hospital test positivity rates for flu climbing from 7% a month ago to 21%. Judith Paget, chief executive of NHS Wales, acknowledged the strain on hospitals, stating, “We’re doing a huge amount of work to ensure we’re keeping the flow of patients moving… and supporting people to get discharged from hospital when they’re ready to leave.”
The situation is compounded by record waiting lists. October figures show 802,122 patient pathways, with 620,311 individual patients waiting for treatment—both record highs. Patients enduring two-year waits for consultant-led specialisms remain at 24,177, with more than 40% of these in north Wales.
Despite the Welsh government’s target to cut two-year waits to 8,000 by March 2025, long delays persist. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles emphasized the progress made since the pandemic, noting, “Two-year waits for treatment are now almost two-thirds lower than at their peak during the pandemic.” He highlighted an additional £50 million allocated to reduce waiting times.
Ambulance performance also worsened, with only 47.6% of life-threatening “red calls” arriving within the eight-minute target. Meanwhile, flu vaccination uptake has lagged, particularly among at-risk groups under 65 and NHS staff. Ms. Paget urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated, saying, “It’s never too late.”
Cancer treatment saw a slight improvement, with 58% of suspected cases starting treatment within 62 days—still below target. However, delays in social care continue to hold up discharges, with 1,473 patients unable to leave hospital beds due to lack of necessary support.
The Welsh NHS Confederation highlighted the unrelenting demand, stating, “NHS organisations have put a range of urgent and emergency care interventions in place.”
Political responses have been fierce. Conservative health spokesman James Evans criticized the Welsh government, declaring the NHS “broken,” while Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor pointed to record waiting lists as evidence of Welsh Labour’s failure.
As winter pressures intensify, health officials are calling for vigilance, vaccination, and systemic reforms to address the growing strain.
About Author
Leave a Reply