Thousands could die in a deadly flu season which will “coincide” with junior doctor strikes, NHS chiefs have warned.
Sir Jim Mackey, the NHS chief executive, said it would be hard for the NHS to “get back on its feet” after a five-day strike by the British Medical Association (BMA) next week.
Health officials are braced for the worst flu outbreak in decades, with Australia experiencing the most cases on record and Japan forced to shut schools due to a flu epidemic.
Last year, 7,757 people died from flu in England, up from 3,555 the year before, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Child flu deaths also increased from 34 to 53.
Speaking at the King’s Fund conference, Mackey said there was likely to be a “heavy flu phase” straight after the strike by resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, from November 14 to November 19.
He added: “The collision of events means [doctors strikes] will probably coincide with the bad flu. We all respect the right to strike but it’s a risk we could all do without especially at this time of the year.”
NHS chiefs are pleading with elderly and vulnerable patients to get vaccinated, with flu cases already three times higher than normal for this time of year. Data published by the UKHSA shows hospital admissions increased by 60 per cent last week.
• Early flu season piles pressure on NHS before junior doctors’ strike
Mackey said there was “no doubt” this winter would be “one of the toughest our staff have ever faced”. He added: “Since stepping into this role, the thought of a long, drawn-out flu season has kept me awake at night. And, unfortunately, it looks like that fear is becoming reality.
“Australia has just endured its worst flu season on record — over 410,000 cases — and all the signs suggest the NHS will face similar challenges in the months ahead.
“From December through to March, our hospitals will be at capacity. And while our teams should be focused on preparing for the peak of winter, many are also having to plan around strike action, adding even more pressure at a time when every pair of hands counts.”
Resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, will hold a five-day walkout from November 14
JORDAN PETTITT/PA WIRE
The BMA’s resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, have confirmed they will go ahead with the five-day strike over jobs and pay. They rejected an offer from Wes Streeting, the health secretary, to call off the strikes in return for ministers paying for their training costs and exam fees.
NHS England said it was making 2.4 million flu vaccination slots available next week. Flu vaccines are available for all over-65s, health and social care staff, children and under-65s with health conditions.
Elaine Clancy, chief nursing officer at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals, said the NHS trust was preparing for a bad winter. “Last flu season was particularly nasty and we’re very concerned that this year could be even worse; we’re preparing for a spike of flu onto our wards,” she said.
“We see people dying every year from flu and sadly thousands more will likely [die] this year. I strongly recommend booking your jab now, as it takes up to 14 days to fully kick in.”
The UKHSA warned that millions of people with long-term health conditions were missing out on the flu vaccine.
There are nine million under-65s with long-term health conditions who are eligible for the NHS flu jab, but less than half of these came forward last year.
Although all over-65s are eligible, only 62 per cent have come forward so far this year, while 75 per cent were vaccinated last year.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director for immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Every year we see many thousands of people with a long-term health condition being seriously ill in hospital from flu and tragically too many dying, when for many this could be potentially prevented by vaccination.
“We are concerned that many people at risk may not know they are eligible. Don’t wait or delay, book your vaccine appointment today, because flu is spreading now. If you have a long-term health condition speak with your doctor’s surgery to find out more. With flu hitting earlier this year I can’t stress enough how important it is to get yourself protected as soon as possible.
Dr Suzanna McDonald, national lead for the influenza programme at UKHSA, said: “Flu has hit early this year and will only spread in the coming weeks. Many people often think they have flu when they only have a bad cold. If you get flu, it is nasty and for some more vulnerable it can be deadly.”