NHS coping despite ‘very dramatic increase’ in flu cases, Swinney insists

The Scottish health service is coping despite a “very dramatic increase” in the number of cases of flu, the First Minister has insisted.

In an interview with the PA Media news agency, John Swinney said “all aspects” of the NHS in Scotland were under pressure due to increased demand.

However, he said the health service was working “incredibly hard” and using its resources in the “most effective way”, and that it was coping with the added strain.

Figures published recently by Public Health Scotland (PHS) showed there has been a 63% increase in laboratory-confirmed cases of flu across all age groups in the past week, going from 1,696 cases last week to 2,752 this week.

PHS also said GP consultation rates for flu-like illness are at the highest rate seen since the 2017/2018 winter season, while hospital admissions have risen by 65% from 705 last week to 1,163 this week.

Mr Swinney said: “We’re experiencing a very dramatic increase in the number of flu cases, and that is undoubtedly putting strain on all aspects of the National Health Service.

“But we have a whole system approach, so every part of the health service, whether it is pharmacies or GP practices or NHS 24 or the Scottish Ambulance Service, or our healthcare facilities the length and breadth of the country, are working collaboratively together to make sure that we use all of those resources in the most effective way.”

He added: “Hospitals generally are very busy, and the levels of occupancy are higher than ordinarily we would like, and that’s a product of the delayed discharge issue that we’ve been wrestling with for some time.

“But on the basis of the review calls that I have been chairing over the course of the last few days, the health service is coping with the increased levels of demand, but it is a very acute level of pressure that has been felt.”

The First Minister also said the service was being “greatly helped” by the public following advice calling on them to access the right care for their needs.

“It’s about making sure that people seek the necessary advice from the right source to begin with, and only utilise some of the acute care when it’s absolutely necessary,” he said.

“And I think all of the evidence I’m seeing is that members of the public are following that advice, and that’s really welcome.”

Dr Nicholas Phin, director of public health science at PHS, has also called on people in vulnerable groups to get vaccinated, saying it is “one of the best tools we have in protecting against serious illness from flu”.

He continued: “If you’re eligible for a flu, or Covid-19, vaccine, it’s not too late to take up the offer and get protected. Please check with your local health board for details on how to arrange this.

“During this time of increased socialising, we urge everyone to take preventive measures to reduce flu, and other respiratory infections, being spread to others.

“If you have symptoms of flu or have a fever, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, especially people in hospital or those who are vulnerable to severe infections.

“A&E services are exceptionally busy, so we encourage everyone to think carefully before attending if you have flu-like symptoms.

“If your condition is not life-threatening, you should visit nhsinform.scot first to get trusted advice quickly. For further support, call your GP or NHS 24 on 111.”