A&E overcrowding, rising infections, and urgent system-wide reforms highlight a challenging season for UK healthcare
London, UK, 4 December 2025 – The NHS is heading into one of its toughest winters in years, with senior leaders warning of a steep rise in flu cases, growing pressure on emergency departments, and significant challenges in elderly care, mental health, and frontline resources. New data released this week paints a concerning picture of a system battling record demand, staffing strains, and increasing complexity in patient needs.
Professor Julian Redhead, England’s top emergency care leader, has described this year’s flu wave as “unprecedented,” noting that there is “no peak in sight.” Hospital admissions linked to flu averaged 1,717 patients per day last week more than ten times higher than the same period in 2023 and 50% higher than last year. Despite this surge, overall virus-related bed closures are slightly lower than last winter, reflecting fewer Covid-19 and RSV cases.
A&E Under Pressure as Non-Urgent Attendances Rise
Emergency departments across England are also struggling with rising numbers of patients attending for issues that could be treated elsewhere. New NHS figures show more than 200,000 A&E visits last winter were linked to minor problems such as itchy skin, hiccups, ingrowing toenails, and sore throats. With A&E attendances already 37,000 higher in October compared to last year, NHS leaders are urging the public to seek appropriate alternatives such as urgent treatment centres, walk-in clinics, GP services, and community support teams.
Rory Deighton of the NHS Confederation stressed that while the NHS is working hard to provide safe care, this surge comes at a time when the system must also prepare for the potential disruption of upcoming strikes.
Corridor Care Nears One Million Cases Annually
A new analysis from the Health Service Journal reveals that nearly one million A&E patients were treated in hospital corridors or “temporary escalation spaces” over the last 12 months. Data gathered from more than half of England’s acute trusts shows over 523,000 corridor care episodes figures which extrapolate to 930,000 nationally. NHS England has pledged to publish this data regularly but has yet to do so.
Elderly Patients Still Underserved in Infection Care
England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has issued a strong warning that infections such as pneumonia and flu in older adults need to be taken far more seriously. He highlighted that older patients face a significantly higher risk of complications, including stroke and heart attack, yet are often “underserved” in both care and research. He called for lower treatment thresholds and greater awareness among clinicians.
Mental Health and ADHD Services Under Review
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ordered an independent review into the rising demand for mental health, ADHD, and autism services. Despite increased investment, long waits persist, and concerns have emerged about possible over-diagnosis and gaps in alternative support. NHS figures show a significant rise in mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions over the last two decades.
GPs Using AI Without National Guidance
A joint report from the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Nuffield Trust reveals that many GPs are using AI tools to reduce administrative workload, but are doing so without consistent national oversight. This uneven adoption risks widening health inequalities, especially in less affluent regions. Experts are calling for clear national standards, improved training, and stronger regulation.
Police Investigate Hate Incident at Leeds Hospital
West Yorkshire Police are investigating a suspected Islamophobic hate incident at St James’s Hospital in Leeds, where pages of the Quran were torn, and a framed chapter was vandalized. Hospital leadership described the incident as “completely unacceptable.” It follows rising concerns about racism affecting NHS staff.
New Report on Neighbourhood Health Integration Published
The NHS Confederation has released a detailed report outlining how neighbourhood health services can be strengthened through better contracts, shared governance, and long-term incentives to improve population health. Recommendations include co-designed contracts, transparent decision-making structures, and flexible funding models to support prevention-focused care.
Welsh NHS Leaders Call for Urgent Prevention Measures
In Wales, the Chief Medical Officer’s annual report urges an immediate shift toward prevention-first healthcare to address stagnating life expectancy and rising service pressures. The Welsh NHS Confederation echoed the call, emphasizing the need for stronger support to drive meaningful change.
