DAUK has warned the NHS is facing a ‘state of preventable emergency’ as the rapidly escalating flu outbreak pushes it to breaking point.
Frontline doctors say the crisis unfolding across hospitals this winter is not an unavoidable ‘act of nature’, but the direct result of political inaction.
This is despite clear recommendations set out in the Covid-19 Inquiry. The Hallett Report specifically criticised the lack of ‘suppression’ measures.
Urgent, practical steps
Now DAUK is calling for urgent, practical steps to protect staff and patients.
These include:
- FFP2 and FFP3 masks for frontline healthcare workers
- Free flu and Covid vaccinations for healthcare workers who want them
- Implementation of clean air standards (HEPA/Ventilation)
DAUK warned that without immediate steps, the toll on patients and staff will continue to mount.
Dr Matt Kneale, DAUK co-chair, said: “The sickness levels in frontline doctors and healthcare workers mean we’re facing a state of emergency in our hospitals.
Black swan event
“Ministers will tell you this is a ‘black swan’ event, but it isn’t.
“In July last year, the Covid-19 Inquiry handed the Government a blueprint to prevent this exact scenario. They chose not to act on it.
“It is heartbreaking to stand on the frontline and watch history repeat itself less than two years after the Hallett Report.
“We entered this winter with 98% bed occupancy, with no slack, no buffer and no action plan.
Flu season
“This is not only a bad flu season, it is the inevitable result of political negligence.
“They had the recommendations. They ignored them. Our patients and colleagues in the NHS are paying the price.”
NHS England figures show the current H3N2 “subclade K” flu wave has driven a 55% rise in flu admissions in a week. An average of 2,660 patients are hospitalised per day.
Emergency departments are reporting extreme pressure as they are faced with rising infections alongside high rates of illness among healthcare workers.
NHS workforce
Dr Kneale said: “It’s infuriating to witness a preventable crisis unfold.
“It’s a crisis that is placing intolerable strain on the NHS workforce and endangering vulnerable patients.
“We need the Government to act now.”
DAUK committee members are all volunteers. They campaign on the issues facing doctors in their own time. Please support their work by joining DAUK or donating to our GoFundMe.
