The capital’s NHS services are bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter, with three times as many Londoners hospitalised by the virus compared to the same time last year.

Every day, an average of 259 patients took up a London hospital bed last week (beginning 24^th November) because of flu – triple the daily average of 89 this time last year.

With flu cases at a record high and no peak yet in sight, London’s NHS system is facing an unprecedented flu wave this winter.

To protect themselves against the virus and ease the pressure on NHS staff this winter, eligible Londoners should get their flu jab as a matter of urgency. With just a couple of weeks left to ensure maximum protection before Christmas, now is the time to act.

Dr. Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite this, we know that surging flu cases, coinciding with industrial action by resident doctors, will put pressure on services in the coming weeks.

“While we’ve vaccinated over 1.8 million people this season*, there are still vulnerable people who haven’t come forward. If you’re in one of the eligible groups and you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet, I urge you to come forward as soon as possible – it’s never too late.”

Last week, there were over 16,500 ambulance handovers, an average of 2,363 per day. This is significantly higher than this time year, when ambulance teams delivered nearly 15,500 handovers (over 2,200 per day).

London Ambulance Service has been working closely with partners in the capital since the summer to plan a city-wide approach to winter, allowing teams to be there for Londoners throughout the festive period. Despite handling thousands more patients, ambulance handover times are almost 10 minutes faster than last year.

Dr. Fenella Wrigley, Chief Medical Officer for the London Ambulance Service, urges local eligible people to lighten the load on the capital’s emergency teams by getting vaccinated.

She said: “I strongly urge all eligible people to get a flu vaccination. We are extremely busy and our 999 control rooms are taking a number of calls from people with flu or similar viral illnesses.

“Flu can make you feel very unwell, but most healthy people recover with rest, fluids and products available at your pharmacy to manage symptoms. We need our clinicians to be available to help the people who are more seriously unwell with flu or other conditions.”

Thanks to early NHS preparedness, London pharmacies, GPs and community services have delivered over 1.8 million flu vaccinations this season. This has protected those most at risk from a trip to hospital, including older people, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions.

Getting vaccinated has been easier than ever this year, with accessible vaccine pop-up events at football matches, soft play areas and shopping centres, and community pharmacies stepping up to provide over half a million walk-in jab appointments.

There is still time to get vaccinated. Check patient eligibility here, and find pharmacies for walk-in appointments by using the NHS walk-in finder.

Despite intense winter pressure, NHS teams are working hard to be there for Londoners and their families this year. There have never been more ways for people to get the care they need, reserving A&E and 999 for those experiencing life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries.

For non-life-threatening conditions this winter, call NHS 111 or use 111 online. Local pharmacies and GPs can also help.

As always, use A&E and 999 for life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries.