London A&E departments in the thick of it' during flu crisis, warn hospital doctors

"Sunday officially marked the start of winter yet our hospitals have been in the thick of it for months. Flu, other respiratory illnesses, and bugs including norovirus are spreading through our communities and placing a real strain on our services and the best present you can give us this year is taking steps to avoid these and a visit to hospital. A huge thank-you to all of our teams who are working in such challenging circumstances at this time of year to provide compassionate care for our patients."

"While our emergency departments are really feeling the strain and are not always the most suitable place for some health issues, we also know there are people who do need us this Christmas and over winter. The number of people in hospital with flu in England is at a record level for this time of year Our priority is keeping our patients safe and comfortable and providing them with the best care possible and this doesn't stop over the festive period."

"Frontline medics and nurses at St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London, Epsom in Surrey and St Helier University in Carshalton often see increasing falls and alcohol-related injuries around the festive period, plus other issues such as gastroenteritis, heart attacks, burns and mental health conditions."

NHS hospital services are under increased pressure from an early virus season and recent resident doctors' strikes. Emergency departments at St George's, Epsom and St Helier report higher rates of falls, alcohol-related injuries, gastroenteritis, heart attacks, burns and mental health presentations, particularly around the festive period. In south-east England emergency attendance figures rose by 33% from 202 to 269. Flu, other respiratory illnesses and norovirus are spreading in communities, contributing to record levels of influenza hospitalisations for this time of year. Staff urge the public to take steps to avoid infections and unnecessary visits, while praising teams working through challenging winter conditions.

Read at www.standard.co.uk