The NHS is facing a challenging winter ahead according to an East of England health leader, with flu cases on the rise and planned strikes by resident doctors coming at a time of year when demand on NHS services is already typically high.

Latest available figures show an average of 130 patients were in an East of England hospital bed every day because of flu in the week ending Sunday 30 November – more than double the number last year (a 113% increase from 61 in the same week of 2024).

To help address these rising flu cases, the NHS in the East of England has so far delivered more than 2.1 million flu jabs (2,167,004) – 101,286 more than this time last year.

Demand on NHS services is already high, with ambulances in the East of England handing over close to 10,000 patients (9,868) at the region’s hospitals at the week ending Sunday 30 November and NHS 111 services receiving almost 50,000 calls (48,701).

The figures are taken from the first of the weekly published reports which track pressures on the NHS across the entire winter period.

This winter, there are more ways to access care from the NHS, making it simpler and quicker for people to get the help they need.

Pharmacies give patients access to quick, easy support – including prescription-only medicines – for common conditions including sore throat, sinusitis and earache.

Nearly all (98.7%) GP practices in England now offer online consultation requests for patients, with 8 million benefitting in October.

The NHS App also allows patients to request appointments, check their health records, receive reminders, or even order repeat prescriptions.

Last week the NHS launched a campaign raising awareness of the range of ways to access care, including a striking short film titled ‘24 Hours Not In A&E’

to help people navigate their health concerns and avoid unnecessary visits to A&E departments and GPs.

Adam Cayley, chief operating officer for the NHS in the East of England, said:

“Despite earlier preparations for winter than ever before, the climbing flu cases in the region and planned resident doctor strikes will undoubtedly put further pressure on NHS services at a time of the year when demand is already high.

“The vaccine is our best defence against flu, with those vaccinated much less likely to end up in hospital even if they catch it – and by getting your jab now, you’ll have the best possible protection for you and your loved ones as we head into the festive period.

“Meanwhile, to help reduce pressure on our region’s hospitals it’s more important than ever that patients get the care they need in the most appropriate place. For non-life-threatening care, call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place. As always, A&E and 999 is there for life-threatening conditions and serious injuries.”

Early seasonal data shows vaccination remains the best defence against flu for children and adults, giving strong protection this year despite the emergence of a new flu sub-strain driving an unusually early flu season.

The vaccine typically takes two weeks to become fully effective, making it essential to get vaccinated now to be protected through the festive season.

The British Medical Association announced that resident doctors in England are set to go on strike from Wednesday 17 December until Monday 22 December.