Why the NHS is ‘not out of danger yet’

Health & Fitness
1 Jan 2026 • 12:37 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • NHS figures indicate a slight levelling off in flu hospital admissions across England, with an average of 3,061 patients daily in the week ending 21 December.
  • Despite this improvement, officials warn that the health service is "not out of danger yet" as temperatures are forecast to plummet.
  • The entire country has been placed under an amber cold health alert by the UK Health Security Agency, signifying potential significant impacts on health and social care.
  • NHS England attributes the dip in flu cases partly to increased vaccination efforts, with half a million more people receiving the flu jab this year.
  • Hospitals continue to face "incredible" pressure, operating at 95 per cent bed occupancy, with concerns about the impending cold snap and ongoing demand.

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