NHS bosses in Greater Manchester say hospitals here are being hit by 'greater demand' for portable oxygen amid soaring numbers of patients with influenza and other respiratory illnesses like Covid.
Startling figures published today show that in total, more than 400 patients are currently in hospital with flu in Greater Manchester, with 17 of those said to be in 'critical' condition.
Hospitals and accident and emergency departments across the GM region, meanwhile, are continuing to operate in 'sustained, heightened pressure', with 'some of the busiest days ever' reported in the period between Christmas and New Year, it was revealed today. And more than a third of all GP practices in Greater Manchester have reported 'significant and extreme' increases in demand recently, according to the NHS.
Figures reveal there are currently 384 people in 'general and acute' hospital beds with flu in Greater Manchester and 17 in 'critical care' beds. Hospital bed occupancy is said to be around 98 per cent - with more than a tenth of all beds occupied by patients who tested positive for Covid.
A weekly NHS report on the current situation in Greater Manchester - now published - mirrors the national picture, with reports of hospitals across the country experiencing a shortage of oxygen. NHS bosses say they are 'working with national colleagues and suppliers' to maintain supply and meet the increased demand.
"We, like other areas nationally, are seeing greater demand across hospital trusts for portable oxygen due to increased numbers of patients with respiratory illnesses such as flu and Covid-19," said the report.
"We are continuing to use supply, including regular deliveries, to meet demand and are working with national colleagues and suppliers to ensure we can continue to meet increased demand."
GP surgeries in Greater Manchester, meanwhile, are said to 'remain under significant strain', as NHS bosses reported pressure 'shifting' to them from out-of-hours healthcare providers like hospitals since Christmas and the New Year.
"When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Greater Manchester introduced a 'pulse check' designed as a temperature check of current demand and pressures facing general practice who self-declare their current status by indicating low to normal demand rising to significantly increased demand and critical." said the report.
"Of 422 practices declaring this week, 37.4 per cent (158) are feeling significant/extreme increase in demand. Less practices declared this week."
Pharmacies, meanwhile, were said to be continuing to report 'pressures relaying to demand and staff shortages' due to sickness.
"We are continuing to see sustained heightened pressure in our emergency departments and hospitals across Greater Manchester," said NHS bosses.
"Between Christmas and New Year, we experienced some of the busiest days ever across our heath and care system. A combination of usual winter pressures, rising flu and Covid rates, high levels of staff sickness and people awaiting discharge are contributing to this pressure. We are grateful to our staff who are working tirelessly amidst relentless pressure."
People with flu-like symptoms, meanwhile, have been urged to stay at home.
Mark Fisher, chief executive of NHS Greater Manchester, urged the public to get a flu vaccine. He said: "Like NHS services across the country, we are extremely busy in our hospitals, GP practices, pharmacists and community services. The demands of winter pressures and complex health and care needs mean the last few days have been especially busy.
"Staff are doing everything they can to see and treat everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
“Pressure from flu, Covid and other respiratory illnesses is sustained. We can’t stress strongly enough how serious flu can be especially if you are vulnerable. Please know it’s not too late to come forward for a vaccine which can help you avoid being seriously unwell from flu.
"We are thankful to our staff across health and care who are working tirelessly and grateful to the public for their understanding as the demand for services grows. Please use NHS 111 Online to get to know where to go."
Paediatric services are also said to 'remain pressured', with high numbers of children with respiratory illnesses including bronchiolitis and respiratory syncytial virus - RSV.
The NHS has published key advice.
- With rising flu and Covid, if people are experiencing flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home to avoid spreading the infection to others.
- If you’re older, have an underlying health condition or you’re pregnant, Covid and flu are more likely to make you seriously ill. Even milder symptoms can make you feel unwell, and have to miss out on work, education or social plans.
- If you do get flu-like symptoms, make sure you rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies if they make you feel more comfortable.
- Flu symptoms usually peak after two or three days, and you should begin to feel much better within five to eight days. If you are becoming more ill, or in an at-risk group then contact your GP for advice.
- There is plenty of flu vaccine available, and we would encourage people to contact their GP surgery to book an appointment.
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