A major hospital trust has slammed the alarm as a brutal flu outbreak smashes across the UK. Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham has declared a ‘critical incident’ after a deluge of flu patients overwhelmed A&E beds.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital at Breaking Point
A hospital spokesperson warned: “We’re under extreme pressure in A&E with soaring flu cases and a huge demand for beds. We’ve had to declare a critical incident. Please use other healthcare services for minor ailments.”
The stark warning comes as NHS trusts nationwide reinstate mask mandates to fight the flu’s early, vicious strike this winter.
Flu Surge Forces NHS to Bring Back Masks
From today, staff at Frimley NHS Foundation Trust — covering Slough, Ascot, and Camberley hospitals — must wear surgical masks on clinical wards amid rising flu infections.
Other trusts in Surrey, Sussex, and Swindon have followed suit, mandating masks in A&E and clinical zones. University Hospitals Sussex now requires all staff and visitors in emergency and high-risk wards to mask up. Great Western Hospitals Trust in Swindon has also urged visitors and patients to don face coverings.
Mask and Sanitiser Sales Surge Again
Once abandoned post-pandemic, mask-wearing is making a sharp comeback as people rush to protect themselves from the aggressive flu wave.
Flu Wave Shows No Signs of Slowing
- Mutant flu strain is triggering unprecedented hospital admissions this season.
- Hospitals battle critical shortages of beds and staff as the virus spreads lightning fast.
- Officials urge the public to seek alternatives for minor health issues and stick to strict hygiene practices.
Stay alert. Keep masks on where advised. And if you’ve got a minor ailment, consider options other than A&E — the flu storm is hitting the UK hard this winter.
