Hospitals Across the UK See High Levels of Flu Cases This Winter
Hospitals across the UK are seeing high levels of flu cases this winter. The NHS in England has said it is on "high alert" after seeing the highest ever number of flu cases in hospital for this time of year, in the week ending 14 December.
About the Data
Figures relating to flu cases in hospitals are collected in different ways in each UK nation. In England, it is the weekly number of beds occupied by patients with a laboratory-confirmed flu case. This data is provided at NHS Trust level. Trusts are organizations that include hospitals, community services, and providers of other forms of patient care.
Data Collection by Nation
In Scotland, the figures relate to the number of patients admitted to hospital with a laboratory-confirmed flu case taken between 14 days before the admission date and 48 hours after the admission date. In Wales, it is the weekly number of patients in hospital with a laboratory-confirmed flu case taken from 28 days before the admission date if tested outside of hospital, or within two days after admission. Figures for Scotland and Wales are provided at NHS Health Board level. Health boards are responsible for all frontline healthcare services.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the figures show the number of new flu cases admitted to hospital that were acquired outside of hospital. This data is provided at Health and Social Care Trust level. Trusts are responsible for providing local and regional health services.
Finding Local Hospital Information
You can find which trust your local hospital belongs to on the NHS England website. For Scotland and Wales, you can find which Health Board your local services belong to on the NHS Scotland or NHS Wales websites. In Northern Ireland, you can find which trust your local hospital belongs to on the NI direct website.
