COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 21st February 2025

Between July and November 2024 the UK NHS managed to deliver almost 2.2 million more appointments than July to November 2023. These included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy and diagnostic tests.

There is a caveat in that during that period in 2023 there were 12 days of strikes by doctors-in-training (junior doctors) - but in 2024 no strikes and more patients seen is undoubtedly a doubly good thing. 

The waiting list has been cut by almost 160,000 since the current government took office, compared to a rise of almost 33,000 over the same period the previous year. 

The overall waiting list for planned treatment in England fell slightly in December to 7.46 million - but only 59% started treatment within 18 weeks, with the Govt target by end of parliament 92%. Some way to go yet. 

Keep going Wes. Keep fixing the NHS. 

Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England with a less than heartwarming quote last week:

“We need to think much more radically, particularly about capital…I think we now must consider private capital investment in the NHS…if we don’t fix our buildings, if we don’t fix our technology we’re not going to..really drive that long term improvement."

You don't really seem to want to save the NHS Amanda. Surely pumping cash into wining and dining private capital, then repaying interest or renting for the next bazillion years is not the best way to save the NHS?

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 and other virus UK and World News Update 10th January 2025

Happy New Year! I hope you had a good festive break, and I'm delighted to say that the world didn't become overrun by virus during the last 3 weeks, not entirely anyway... 

"NHS England says there were over 5,000 patients in hospital with flu at the end of last week. The average...was almost 3.5 times higher than the same week in 2023. NHS England says the number quadrupled since the end of November."

BBC Health Editor Hugh Pym on 3rd January. 

"NHS England says average flu patient numbers in hospitals at 5,400 last week - up on previous week. A&E attendances in 2024 up 7 per cent on the year. NHS leaders say strain on staff at times as bad as height of pandemic."

Hugh Pym on 9th January.

Flu levels are currently abysmal in the UK, but some suggestions we may soon peak - I hope so.

COVID-19 Coronavirus, H5N1 Avian Flu, Disease X and other virus UK and World News Update 20th December 2024

"We are currently seeing more norovirus cases than in any season since we started our current reporting system."

UK Health Security Agency (HSA)

Norovirus is a tummy bug that can be nasty. Always wash hands before touching food, don't cook for others if you are ill, wash soiled bedding and clothes at 60º and as always, stay home if you are ill. 

UK HSA VirusWatch:

Flu activity has increased and is now at medium levels.  

COVID19 activity decreased across all indicators and remains at baseline levels. 

RSV activity decreased across most indicators and we are seeing less cases.

11,511 deaths were registered in England and Wales, week ending 6 Dec 2024 (Week 49):

· 8.0% lower than the expected number (998 fewer deaths)

· 14.5% involved influenza or pneumonia (1,671 deaths)

· 1.0% involved COVID19 (118 deaths)

UK public are being asked to only go to A&E at hospital if you really need to. If in doubt or you've got plenty of time to think about it, call 111 and get further advice. They will triage over the phone and send you for the correct help. If someone is seriously ill or injured, deteriorating rapidly, shows signs of stroke or heart attack, or a life is in danger, call 999 as an emergency.