Major hospitals across the United Kingdom are facing a critical situation due to an unprecedented seasonal influx of patients suffering from influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Report informs via The Times that some medical facilities have wait times reaching up to 50 hours in emergency departments.
"Eight large hospitals have declared a critical state in the last 24 hours due to 'exceptionally high demand' caused by the seasonal strain on emergency departments from flu, with one hospital warning that wait times for treatment could reach 50 hours," the publication states.
The National Health Service (NHS) leadership has confirmed significant pressure on medical staff, attributed to a sharp increase in flu cases (up to 5,000 per day) and the ongoing circulation of coronavirus and norovirus. Hospitals in Liverpool, Hampshire, and Plymouth have already introduced emergency measures due to critical capacity levels.