NHS flu warning as 'worst case scenario' looms

'SURGE' COMES AS DOCTORS SET TO STRIKE

- By SAM VOLPE Health reporter

WITH rising numbers of flu patients filling North East hospitals, NHS bosses have warned a "worst case scenario" is on the cards as a surge in the illness comes at the same time doctors are set to go on strike.

NHS figures for the first week in December showed that across four North East hospital NHS trusts there were an average of more than 150 flu patients in beds.

Now, after a new offer from Health Secretary Wes Streeting has been rejected overwhelmingly by resident doctors, NHS bosses fear the worst for the coming weekend. Five days of strike action will begin from 7am this Wednesday.