Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is calling on the local community to take extra precautions this winter as confirmed flu cases are up 383 per cent on 2024.

Between October and 9 December this year, the trust has seen 203 confirmed flu cases, compared with 42 at the same point last year.

This steep increase mirrors the national picture, where hospitals across the country are experiencing rapidly growing numbers of flu-related admissions. 

Alongside flu, other respiratory and winter viruses are contributing to increased demand on beds, and sustained pressure on urgent and emergency care services. 

Between October and 9 December this year, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has seen 203 confirmed flu cases, compared with 42 at the same point last year (Photo: Jonathan White).

Chief Nursing Officer at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, Scott Malton, said: "We are seeing a level of winter illness that is arriving earlier and rising faster than in previous years.

"This is impacting our hospitals, our teams, and the people we care for.

"Simple steps such as getting your flu vaccination, wearing a face mask where advised, and practising good hand hygiene can make a significant difference to keeping yourself and others safe.

"We are asking our communities to work with us so we can protect the most vulnerable and keep services running safely." 

To help reduce the spread of infection, the Trust has recently reintroduced face mask guidance where rising numbers of flu cases pose an increased risk.

Patients and visitors are strongly urged to wear a face mask in GP Out of Hours, Emergency Department and Ward 16 and 17 at Leighton Hospital.

Optional masks are also available at main entrances for anyone who wishes to use one in other parts of the hospital. 

A&E at Leighton Hospital remains extremely busy. Residents are reminded to only attend A&E for genuine emergencies, critical illnesses, or life-threatening conditions (Photo: MCHFT).

The Trust will continue to review mask guidance in line with regional and national data and ease measures as soon as it is safe to do so. 

A&E at Leighton Hospital remains extremely busy. Residents are reminded to only attend A&E for genuine emergencies, critical illnesses, or life-threatening conditions. 

Mid Cheshire Hospitals is urging the community to take the following steps: 

• Get your flu jab if you are eligible – vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and helps protest those around you
• Wear a face mask in areas where requested, and consider doing so in crowded clinical settings
• Practise good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water and using hand sanitiser on arrival and departure from hospital sites
• Use NHS 111 for urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns, so you can be directed to the most appropriate care
• Attend planned appointments as normal unless contacted by the Trust