Wards ‘full to bursting’ amid 5,000 winter flu admissions

HOSPITALS are bursting at the seams and the worst of this year's flu season is yet to come, a top doctor has warned. Professor Julian Redhead, NHS urgent and emergency care clinical director, said around 5,000 flu patients were in England's hospitals and although the season's peak may be approaching, children returning to school may trigger more infections.

- By Hanna Geissler Health Editor

At least 12 hospitals declared critical incidents yesterday, as the winter crisis resulted in patients being treated in A&E corridors and queuing ambulances.

Prof Redhead said: "Wards are now full to bursting and that pressure is feeding back into A&E departments.