NHS England has warned of 'ominous' signs of winter pressure building in hospitals across the country as A&Es and ambulances in England saw a record number of patients in September.

Last month was the busiest September ever for or patients attending A&E (2.44 million). It also saw the highest number of ambulance incidents ever recorded for the month of September (806,707).

The NHS also delivered record levels of elective care this summer. A record 4.7 million planned treatments, procedures and appointments took place across June, July and August.
 

However, NHS England’s National Medical Director, Professor Frankie Swords, has warned that winter pressure is now already building, with more patients, including children, arriving at A&E with flu and other respiratory viruses.

Those eligible are urged to get vaccinated now.

NHS National Medical Director Professor Frankie Swords said: “NHS staff have done fantastic work to deliver record levels of elective care this summer and are now supporting the busiest September on record for A&E attendances and ambulance incidents.

“But now the focus is on the looming winter months ahead.

“Staff are already seeing the ominous early signs of pressure, with more patients coming to A&E with flu and other respiratory viruses than usual for this time of year, and unfortunately many people are still waiting longer than we would like them to.

“This is why it’s absolutely crucial to take up the offer of flu, RSV, COVID-19 and other vaccinations if you’re eligible, to protect yourself, your family and the public. We all have our part to play, so please don’t wait for winter – come forward to your GP or pharmacy now and get protected”.

Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Our NHS is dealing with summer pressures now as well as winter pressures. So, it is a huge tribute to doctors, nurses and staff across the NHS that alongside dealing with unprecedented levels of A&E attendances and ambulance call-outs, they also managed to deliver record numbers of elective appointments, procedures and treatments.

“Step by step, our NHS has been increasing its delivery and performance, making a real difference to patients’ lives even as demand is growing. But with winter now approaching, pressure on our NHS is set to increase again and I would encourage everyone who is eligible for the flu jab and other vaccines to get themselves protected against preventable illnesses, and help relieve the workload on the NHS too”.