Poole Post - News Group

Poole Post - News Group Independent news and local marketing services for and the surrounding area of . We pos WHY A MEDIA HUB FOR POOLE? Media can move mountains.

Community media hubs can help build and highlight local businesses. This is good for the town's commerce and growth. We can also reach people struck by isolation, loneliness and poverty. A healthy local economy can help support the community. HELPING UNITE LOCAL PEOPLE

At the PoolePost.co.uk we aim to speak to neighbourhoods where living standards are high, low, or where rural, social or economic

barriers prevent people accessing vital information and education. We can promote the value of men and women, and investigate wrongs or serious abuses. A POSTING PLATFORM FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

We can introduce people to new ideas and help strengthen bonds within local communities. We help communities use it to change lives - and unite our town. EXPANDING POOLE'S SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH

Bookmark our website and connect with us via social media at www.twitter.com/poolepost and www.facebook.com/poolepost to see how our local media hub is touching the lives of local people.

Words are not enough to express our thanks... 🇬🇧
08/05/2025

Words are not enough to express our thanks... 🇬🇧

CHURCH RULING SHIFTS ST GEORGE’S DAY IN RARE CALENDAR SHAKE-UPReport by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group Patr...
23/04/2025

CHURCH RULING SHIFTS ST GEORGE’S DAY IN RARE CALENDAR SHAKE-UP

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group

Patriotic Britons may have woken this morning expecting to raise a pint and a flag in honour of St George, only to discover that the date - 23rd April - is no longer officially England’s day of celebration.

In an unexpected but historically grounded move, St George’s Day has been transferred to Monday, 28th April this year, under an ancient rule observed by the Church of England.

The rare shift is the result of liturgical law, which dictates that when a saint’s day clashes with the sacred timeline of Holy Week or the Octave of Easter, it must be postponed to avoid overshadowing key Christian observances.

A statement from the Church clarified: "When St George’s Day or St Mark’s Day falls between Palm Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter inclusive, it is transferred to the Monday after the Second Sunday of Easter."

The result? A five-day delay that has caught many off guard - even as the red and white flags of the patron saint flew proudly across high streets and village greens this morning.

St George, the legendary dragon-slayer and enduring symbol of English chivalry, was first adopted as the nation’s patron saint in 1350 by King Edward III, who founded the prestigious Order of the Garter in his name. Though of Middle Eastern origin and never having set foot in England, St George was held up as a symbol of courage, faith, and self-sacrifice - values that still resonate today.

This year marks only the second time in recent memory that the date has been shifted, the last occurrence being in 2019.

Meanwhile, Downing Street has already hosted an official - albeit early - St George’s Day reception, with the Prime Minister inviting NHS workers, police officers, and community leaders to celebrate modern patriotism and the vital role of public service in British life. It is the first time a sitting Prime Minister has personally led such an event, signalling a renewed emphasis on England’s national identity within the broader UK framework.

With the revised date still ahead, many may opt to mark St George’s Day twice this year - once in tradition, and once in line with church canon.

( Photo: Pixabay Library 📸 )

DWP TO IMPLEMENT STRINGENT MEASURES TO CRACK DOWN ON BENEFIT FRAUD - 💷 Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News G...
25/03/2025

DWP TO IMPLEMENT STRINGENT MEASURES TO CRACK DOWN ON BENEFIT FRAUD - 💷

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group

The UK Government is preparing to roll out a major crackdown on benefit fraud, with new measures set to be introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) from 2026.

The initiative, part of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill, is aimed at reducing fraudulent claims and ensuring taxpayer money is used appropriately. The government estimates that the reforms could save up to £1.5 billion over the next five years.

Among the new measures is the Eligibility Verification Measure, which will allow banks and other financial institutions to flag potential breaches of benefit eligibility rules. This will primarily focus on identifying cases where claimants exceed financial thresholds, such as the £16,000 savings limit for Universal Credit.

However, the DWP has been clear that this does not mean it will have direct access to people’s bank accounts or visibility of how claimants spend their money.

The legislation only permits banks to share limited data, and any unauthorised sharing of information, such as transaction details, could result in penalties for the institutions involved. The government guidance states: “Any information shared through the Eligibility Verification Measure will not be shared on the presumption or suspicion that anyone is guilty of any offence.”

The crackdown also introduces harsher penalties for those found guilty of benefit fraud. Repeat offenders who fail to repay fraudulently obtained funds could face driving bans of up to two years.

The DWP will also be given new powers to recover debts from individuals who are no longer on benefits and not in PAYE employment, preventing people from avoiding repayment when they have the means to do so.

These measures are part of a broader effort to tackle fraud across the public sector and ensure that government funds are directed towards those who genuinely need support.

To ensure fairness and accountability, the DWP has confirmed that all measures will be introduced with strict safeguards.

Oversight mechanisms will be put in place, and the government has committed to a “test and learn” approach before full implementation.

A series of 11 factsheets published by the DWP outlines how these new powers will be monitored and regulated, with the government stating: “DWP and the Cabinet Office will continue to work with industry to implement the new measures, consult stakeholders on Codes of Practice and publish guidance.”

In addition to financial checks, the DWP will expand its ability to gather information from third-party organisations, including airlines, to verify whether benefit claimants are living abroad while continuing to receive payments. This is intended to clamp down on individuals who may be fraudulently claiming UK benefits while residing in another country.

The government is also strengthening its approach to organised benefit fraud by introducing new powers of entry, search and seizure to target criminal gangs. This will reduce reliance on the police in complex fraud investigations and allow the Public Sector Fraud Authority to take a more active role in tackling large-scale fraud cases.

Other measures in the Bill include stronger civil penalties for fraudsters as an alternative to criminal prosecution and improved processes for recovering public money lost through fraudulent claims.

While the reforms are designed to crack down on fraud, the DWP has reassured legitimate claimants that they will not be unfairly targeted.

The focus is on preventing incorrect payments and identifying deliberate fraud rather than penalising those who are entitled to financial support.

The government has stressed that the new powers will be used “appropriately, proportionately, and effectively”, with trained staff ensuring that investigations are carried out fairly.

With implementation set to begin in 2026, the coming months will see further discussions with stakeholders, industry experts, and regulators to finalise the details of how these measures will operate.

The government's intention is to remain committed to ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely, balancing the need for fraud prevention with the protection of those who rely on the welfare system.

TESCO TO TRIAL GIVING AWAY EXPIRED FOOD TO CUSTOMERS - 🥪 Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group Tesco, th...
14/03/2025

TESCO TO TRIAL GIVING AWAY EXPIRED FOOD TO CUSTOMERS - 🥪

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group

Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, is set to trial a new initiative aimed at reducing food waste by giving away expiring food to customers free of charge. The trial will take place in select Tesco Express stores, with yellow-stickered discounted items being offered to shoppers after 9.30pm - once they have first been made available to charities and store employees.

Tesco has long been committed to reducing food waste and has already established partnerships with charities and food banks to redistribute surplus food. However, this new direct-to-customer approach marks a first for UK supermarkets. The initiative aligns with Tesco’s goal of cutting its food waste by 50% this year as part of its broader net-zero emissions strategy.

While all major UK supermarket chains - Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, and Morrisons - have pledged to halve food waste by 2030, Tesco appears to be the first to trial a direct giveaway scheme. Aldi claims to have already reached the 50% reduction target.

The scheme will be tested in an unspecified number of Tesco Express stores across the UK over the coming months. Under the plan, discounted perishable goods that remain unsold at the end of the day will be offered for free, but only after charities and Tesco staff have had the opportunity to claim them.

A Tesco spokesperson explained: "This trial will allow customers to take any remaining yellow-stickered items for free at the end of the day, after they have first been offered to charities and colleagues."

The initiative comes at a time when inflation has driven up food prices, with staples like meat, eggs, and cereals becoming more expensive. Many UK households are struggling with the cost of living, and food insecurity is on the rise. According to the Department for Work and Pensions, more than seven million people - 11% of the UK population - lived in food-insecure households in 2022–2023. This marks an increase of two million people from the previous year.

Food banks have also seen rising demand, with the Trussell Trust reporting 1.4 million new users over the past two years. By making surplus food available directly to customers, Tesco’s trial could provide much-needed relief to struggling households while also ensuring that less food ends up in waste bins.

Tesco’s commitment to halving food waste has faced some setbacks. The company initially reported a 45% reduction between 2017 and early 2024, but this figure was later corrected to just 18% after an audit revealed that some food waste was being used to generate gas for energy rather than being redistributed. Despite this, Tesco remains the dominant player in the UK grocery market, holding a 27.8% share. The company’s most recent sales figures indicate strong performance, driven by what it described as its "biggest ever Christmas".

The success of Tesco’s trial could influence other supermarkets to follow suit. While many retailers already discount expiring food, a free giveaway model could set a new standard in tackling food waste while also addressing food insecurity.

For now, customers will have to wait for details on when and where the trial will launch. If successful, it could pave the way for a permanent shift in how supermarkets handle unsold food - ensuring more food reaches those who need it most, rather than going to waste.

( Photo: Getty Images 📸 )

FIVE YEARS SINCE COVID CHANGED OUR LIVES - 🏥 Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group  Five years ago today...
09/03/2025

FIVE YEARS SINCE COVID CHANGED OUR LIVES - 🏥

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group

Five years ago today, life in the UK changed in ways no one could have imagined. In early March 2020, the coronavirus pandemic was already making headlines around the world, but for many, it still felt distant. That changed as cases in Britain began to rise rapidly, and by the middle of the month, it was clear that drastic action was needed.

On 5th March 2020, the UK recorded its first Covid-related death. In the days that followed, the government introduced increasingly strict guidance, urging people to work from home where possible and avoid unnecessary travel and social contact.

Then, on 23rd March, the country entered its first national lockdown. Schools, non-essential shops, pubs, and restaurants closed their doors, and people were told to stay at home except for essential reasons. The streets fell silent, while inside hospitals, NHS staff worked tirelessly to treat those suffering from the virus.

The first weeks of lockdown were marked by fear and uncertainty. Supermarket shelves were stripped bare as panic buying took hold, and families found themselves suddenly adapting to life indoors. The "Clap for Carers" movement saw people across the country standing on their doorsteps every Thursday evening to applaud NHS and key workers. Meanwhile, businesses struggled to stay afloat, and the government introduced emergency financial support, including the furlough scheme, to prevent mass unemployment.

For those who lost loved ones, the pain of that time remains raw. Strict restrictions meant many had to say their final goodbyes over video calls or attend funerals with only a handful of mourners. The impact on mental health was profound, as isolation and anxiety took their toll on millions.

Looking back five years later, it is clear that Covid-19 changed the UK in ways that still shape our daily lives. From the way we work to our attitudes towards public health, the effects of the pandemic are still felt today. While life has returned to a new normal, the memory of 2020 remains fresh for those who lived through it.

HOW TO SURVIVE VALENTINE'S DAY WHEN YOU'RE SINGLE - 🌹 Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group Valentine’s ...
11/02/2025

HOW TO SURVIVE VALENTINE'S DAY WHEN YOU'RE SINGLE - 🌹

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group

Valentine’s Day. The one day of the year when supermarkets overflow with heart-shaped chocolates, florists triple their prices, and social media becomes an unbearable sea of couples grinning over candlelit dinners. If you're single, it can feel a bit like being the only person not invited to a very loud, very public party.

Of course, it wasn’t always this way. Valentine’s Day traces its origins back to the third century, when St Valentine - who may or may not have been more than one person - allegedly defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying couples. His reward? Imprisonment and ex*****on, naturally. Hardly the romantic legacy you’d expect from a day now defined by pink balloons, sentimental cards, and stuffed bears clutching "I Wuv You" signs. Yet, over centuries, the tradition evolved, fuelled by poets like Chaucer, the Victorians’ love of romance, and, more recently, the relentless machinery of capitalism.

So, where does that leave you, the single observer of this grand festival of romance? First, let’s acknowledge that it’s perfectly normal to feel a twinge of loneliness when the world seems to be shouting about love from every billboard and bakery window. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend the day sulking under a duvet, binge-watching sad films, and cursing the happy couples outside.

In fact, Valentine's Day can be an excellent excuse to do something purely for yourself. While couples are awkwardly clinking glasses in overcrowded restaurants, why not revel in the sheer freedom of not having to pretend you enjoy overpriced set menus? Treat yourself to something indulgent - whether that’s ordering your favourite takeaway, buying yourself something special, or enjoying a guilt-free evening of doing absolutely nothing. There’s a certain joy in knowing you don’t have to share your snacks, compromise on plans, or feign interest in someone else's romantic traditions.

Beyond self-indulgence, the day is also an opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms. It doesn’t have to be romantic. Friends, family, pets - there are plenty of relationships worth appreciating. Send a message to a mate who might also be feeling the Valentine’s blues, take a parent or sibling out for coffee, or embrace the chaos of a "Palentine’s" night with good company and bad wine.

And if all else fails, there’s always the joy of smugly watching the post-Valentine’s sales roll in. Because nothing says "self-love" quite like half-price luxury chocolates and heavily discounted roses.

DWP SAYS 200,000 DISABLED PEOPLE CAN WORK, BUT CHARITIES WARN OF THE RISKS - ⭕ Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post ...
08/02/2025

DWP SAYS 200,000 DISABLED PEOPLE CAN WORK, BUT CHARITIES WARN OF THE RISKS - ⭕

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group

The Department for Work and Pensions has claimed that 200,000 people receiving health and disability benefits are ready to work immediately if the right job or support were available.

However, charities and campaigners warn that cutting benefits could push disabled people into poverty rather than into employment.

The findings, based on a government survey released on Thursday, indicate that 32% of those claiming health and disability benefits believe they could work now or in the future. Of these, 5% - around 200,000 people - said they would be ready now if the right support were in place.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said that the figures were evidence of a broken benefits system. She said, “People claiming health and disability benefits have been classed by the system as ‘can’t work’ and shut out of jobs and have been ignored - when they’ve been crying out for support. It’s bad for people, bad for businesses, which miss out on considerable talent, and bad for the economy. For young people in particular, being out of work can have a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime."

While charities and campaigners have welcomed efforts to improve work opportunities for disabled people, they have warned that reducing benefits will not help. Scope said, “Cutting disability benefits pushes disabled people into poverty right away, and does not move them into jobs."

Reports suggest the government wants to cut at least £3bn from the benefits bill, with a disability benefits green paper due in the spring outlining plans to overhaul the system.

As part of these reforms, 424,000 fewer people are expected to be assessed as having limited capability for work by 2028/2029, contributing to the expected savings.

James Taylor, director of strategy at Scope, said, “This research shows there are many out of work who could work if given the right support. It is imperative that the government focuses its efforts on how to achieve this, instead of cutting the welfare budget.”

Evan John, policy advisor at disability charity Sense, raised concerns over another key finding from the research. He said, “The government’s own research found three-quarters of disability benefit claimants are worried about being forced into jobs which will make their conditions worse. We therefore want to see assurances from the government that disabled people will not be pressured into unsuitable work for fear of losing their benefits."

Minesh Patel, associate director of policy and influencing at mental health charity Mind, welcomed the government’s commitment to supporting people into work but emphasised that benefits must still be there for those who cannot work. He said, “We know there that are many people, including younger people, with mental health problems who would like to be able to work but don’t have the right support available. Tailored, voluntary and holistic support is most effective in supporting people with mental health problems to enter and stay in work, and this must be at the heart of any future reforms. The DWP must also make good on its commitment to work with disabled people on reshaping the health and disability system."

Sense has called for more practical support for disabled jobseekers, such as assistive technology like screen readers in every Jobcentre and better training for work coaches to understand the challenges disabled people face. Evan John said, “As the government develop the new jobs and careers service, putting accessibility at the heart of this is more important than ever."

Merry Cross, a member of Disabled People Against Cuts, said this is not just a health issue but a funding issue. She said, “And which age-group within society is most likely to have mental distress? It’s teenagers of course, the group that this and the last government most complain about for being out of work. Yet the funding and resources for mental health services have been savaged over recent years, with a report by the Children’s Commissioner in March 2024 stating that almost a quarter of a million children who had been referred for treatment in 2023 were still waiting."

The Labour government remains insistent that it wants to take a tougher stance on benefits, warning that the UK is the only G7 country where employment levels have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

( Photo: Steve PB 📷 )

NATIONAL PRESS TITLE IN DISGRACE AS LOCAL NEWS REMAINS A BEACON OF TRUST - 📰 🗞️ Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post...
25/01/2025

NATIONAL PRESS TITLE IN DISGRACE AS LOCAL NEWS REMAINS A BEACON OF TRUST - 📰 🗞️

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group


The controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s legal battle with News Group Newspapers (NGN) continues to deepen as calls grow for further investigations into alleged misconduct by the media giant.

This past week, the Duke of Sussex settled his case against NGN, publishers of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, after the company admitted to unlawful activities, including a serious intrusion into his private life.

Despite this landmark settlement, campaigners supporting Harry’s fight for accountability believe this should only be the beginning of a wider reckoning for Rupert Murdoch's media company.

Campaigners, including prominent figures such as actor Hugh Grant and former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson, are now compiling a dossier of evidence to present to the Metropolitan Police. They hope to prompt a fresh criminal investigation into allegations of perjury and cover-ups by NGN executives.

It has been reported that, if the police fail to act, individuals may pursue private criminal prosecutions to ensure that justice is served.

Emma Jones, from the press abuse campaign group Hacked Off, said she hopes such drastic measures will not be necessary. “This surely is a matter for government and the police. If unlawful behaviour took place and the people did that, lied under oath, not just to the public but at the Leveson Inquiry and in a court case, what does that mean? The very worse that that means is that it is perjury, a criminal offence, we'd like the police to thoroughly investigate this.”

Hugh Grant, who himself settled a phone-hacking case against NGN, has joined those urging the police to act. He warned that the evidence against the company could potentially trigger a criminal inquiry.

Meanwhile, Chris Huhne, the former cabinet minister who also reached a settlement with NGN, wrote to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, criticising the force’s past handling of the phone-hacking scandal. He stated, “The Metropolitan Police have behaved appallingly. I would much prefer to see another police force deal with it because frankly, the Metropolitan Police have not covered themselves in glory in this whole thing.”

The campaigners’ efforts are bolstered by significant revelations. During pre-trial hearings, NGN admitted for the first time that unlawful activities were carried out by private investigators working for The Sun. This marked a significant departure from the company’s previous denials of wrongdoing at the paper.

Despite this admission, NGN continues to deny allegations of phone hacking and insists its journalists were not involved in criminality.

Lord Watson, who joined Prince Harry in the legal action, announced plans to submit the dossier of evidence to the Metropolitan Police. The file, which may take weeks to complete, reportedly includes material that was previously unavailable to investigators.

On Wednesday, the Met confirmed it was aware of the settlement and had requested transcripts from the pre-trial hearings. However, a spokesperson stated there were “no active investigations” into phone hacking or related matters.

The fallout from the phone-hacking scandal has significantly tarnished the reputation of NGN and raised questions about the ethical standards of the wider national press. Allegations of perjury, email deletions, and the destruction of evidence have prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency within the UK’s media industry.

The Duke of Sussex’s perseverance in pursuing his legal claim has reignited discussions about press standards and the need for robust oversight of powerful media corporations.

While the reputation of the national press has been damaged by these scandals, local and regional journalism continues to hold an untarnished place in British mainstream media.

Unlike their national counterparts, local independent news publishers have maintained a reputation for accuracy, reliability, and integrity. These outlets play a crucial role in underpinning local democracy, holding power to account, and serving their communities with trustworthy reporting.

GREGGS BAKERY RECALLS STEAK BAKES DUE TO MISLABELLING RISK - 🥧 Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group Gre...
21/01/2025

GREGGS BAKERY RECALLS STEAK BAKES DUE TO MISLABELLING RISK - 🥧

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group

Greggs has issued an urgent product recall after some of its two-pack Steak Bakes, sold exclusively at Iceland stores, were found to contain Sausage, Bean and Cheese Melts instead.

The mislabelling poses a potential health risk for people with a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide or sulphites, which are not listed on the label.

The affected products have a best-before date of 19th May 2025. Customers who have purchased these items are advised not to consume them. Instead, they should return the product to the Iceland store where it was bought for a full refund.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an Allergy Alert, warning customers about the potential risk. A spokesman for the FSA said, “Greggs is recalling the above product from customers and has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.

“The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

“If you have bought the above product and have a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites, do not consume it. Instead, return it to your nearest Iceland store from where it was bought for a full refund.”

For further information, customers can contact Greggs’ Customer Care team on 08081 473 447 or via email at [email protected].

A spokesperson for Greggs added, “This two-pack product is exclusive to Iceland and therefore the recall is only applicable to product purchased from Iceland stores. No other products, date codes, or batches are affected.

“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

Customers are urged to check their purchases carefully and follow the advice given to ensure their safety.

For updates on product recalls and food safety, visit the Food Standards Agency website.

( Photo: Getty Images 📸 )

DOG OWNERS WARNED: BEWARE OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CHINESE TREATS LINKED TO ‘WEREWOLF SYNDROME’ -  ⚠️ 🐕 Report by Duncan...
18/01/2025

DOG OWNERS WARNED: BEWARE OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CHINESE TREATS LINKED TO ‘WEREWOLF SYNDROME’ - ⚠️ 🐕

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group

Dog owners are being urged to exercise caution when selecting chews for their pets after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a warning about treats imported from China.

Reports from the European Union (EU) suggest that certain chews may be linked to a rare and alarming condition in dogs, commonly referred to as "werewolf syndrome".

This condition has been associated with sudden and severe behavioural changes, including panic attacks, aggression, and uncontrollable howling or crying. In more severe cases, affected dogs have suffered from spasms, epileptic fits, and even death.

While no cases have been confirmed in the UK, the FSA has highlighted the possibility that some pet owners may have purchased these products online from international sellers.

Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the FSA, stated: “While there is no confirmed distribution of affected products to the UK, there is the possibility that some consumers may have purchased these online from international sellers. No unsafe dog chews have been identified but, based on international investigations so far, we are advising dog owners to avoid feeding the affected chews to dogs as a precaution. There is no evidence to suggest these products present any risk to human health.”

The affected products include specific chews under the Barkoo and Chrisco brands, with identified barcodes and expiry dates.

The FSA has advised dog owners to avoid using these chews and to seek veterinary advice immediately if their pet displays unusual symptoms after consumption. Providing detailed information about your dog’s diet, including any treats, is essential for diagnosis and care. Vets are also being urged to remain alert for signs of this condition and report suspected cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

FLU INFECTIONS RISING AT AN ALARMING RATE ACROSS ENGLAND - 📈 Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group Flu i...
03/01/2025

FLU INFECTIONS RISING AT AN ALARMING RATE ACROSS ENGLAND - 📈

Report by Duncan Williams for Poole Post - News Group

Flu infection rates in England have surged dramatically, with the number of hospitalised patients quadrupling in the past month, NHS England has revealed. Over 5,000 people were receiving hospital treatment for flu at the end of last week, nearly 3.5 times higher than the same period in 2023.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating: “The pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the new year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.”

The surge in flu cases is exacerbating pressure on an already overstretched NHS. Last week, more than 12,200 patients were left waiting in ambulances for over an hour before they could be admitted to hospital. Dr Adrian Boyle, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “What we are seeing is ambulances are frequently stuck outside emergency departments and our emergency departments are full.”

He added: “Flu is the straw that is breaking the camel’s back because we have this chronic lack of beds within our hospitals, and we don’t use those beds properly because we haven’t reformed social care.”

Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said the service is in a position of "national vulnerability" with "intense pressures" gripping local services despite steps taken to prepare for winter challenges. Hospitals have implemented measures such as adding extra beds, reintroducing mask mandates, and restricting visitors to limit the spread of flu.

Professor Redhead also issued advice for vulnerable individuals and those with respiratory conditions, particularly with a severe cold snap expected. “With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions.”

The NHS urges everyone in at-risk groups to try to keep warm and ensure they are well-stocked with any regular medication.

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