Norovirus hospitalizations in England surged 45%, hitting a winter peak and straining the NHS.

Last week, hospital admissions in England due to norovirus increased by 45% to an average of 823 patients per day, reaching a winter high and exceeding the same period last year. The surge, caused by vomiting and diarrhea, was concentrated in one-third of hospital trusts, with Hull University Teaching Hospitals reporting the most cases. Meanwhile, flu-related hospitalizations fell for the second straight week, with an average of 2,519 patients per day. Delayed discharges remain a major issue, with 13,683 patients who are medically fit for release still occupying beds. Hospital bed occupancy increased to 94.5%, the highest level since 2020, despite ongoing NHS pressures such as overcrowding and infrastructure challenges. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, acknowledged progress in ambulance response times and waiting lists, but emphasized the need for faster improvements in urgent care and service delivery.