Key Summary
- Flu surge and early winter are straining hospitals
- Delayed discharges are blocking beds and slowing care
- Funding gaps and an ageing population are key drivers
Hospitals in England are battling the toughest winter with rising flu cases, overcrowding in hospitals and delayed discharges, as per The Guardian.
According to the NHS data, large number of patients are stranded in a bed this year.
In addition, the resident doctors are also set to begin a five-day strike from Wednesday.
Delayed discharges has become a serious problem amidst the rising flu crisis as it impacts the availability of beds for the patients.
The Health Foundation’s report states that patients whose discharge was delayed rose from 10.1 percent in 2024 to 11 percent this year.
NHS leaders and senior doctors are worried it could lead to long ambulance queues outside A&E departments, long patient waiting times.
The early onset of winter and flu surge has put the NHS under high pressure, says Francesca Cavallaro, senior analytic manager at Health Foundation.
As per some experts, local councils that do not have sufficient funds to provide an appropriate social care package for their patients, an increase in ageing population and longevity are some key factors that result in delayed discharges.
However, the NHS is working tirelessly to overcome these constraints and deliver service to everyone.
