'Worst case scenario' as flu cases surge in region

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.

- SAM VOLPE

New 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 was rejected overwhelmingly by resident doctors yesterday, NHS bosses fear the worst for the coming weekend. Five days of strike action will begin from 7am tomorrow.

Meanwhile, health bosses have warned flu is surging.

In a message published on Friday, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) chief executive Samantha Allen said: “Concerns are growing about the rise in flu and respiratory illnesses right across the country and region. The latest data shows the NHS is heading into a ‘worst case scenario’ for December.