NHS figures show that the number of people in hospital with flu has increased by almost two thirds in a week.

The number of patients in hospital with flu has jumped to an average of 648 patients per day, up from 402 last week and is four times the figure at the end of last month.

The number of patients in hospital with norovirus has also increased with an average of 566 patients in hospital per day – up 10 per cent on the previous week (506) and around 55% higher than the same week last year.

Covid cases have risen as well up 12 per cent in a week from 3,024 on 10 Dec and up 38 per cent in the last four weeks (from 2,452 on 19 Nov) to 3,390 on 17 Dec.

However, the data also shows that despite an increase of over 21,000 in calls to NHS 111, more than half were answered within 60 seconds.

Due to efforts to increase hospital capacity, there are more than 1,000 open adult bends compared to the same time last year.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “Today’s figures show that winter is well and truly with us and frontline staff are managing increased pressures due to even more flu, covid and norovirus.

“While NHS staff across the country are doing everything they can to get as many people as possible home in time for Christmas, we are aware the latest strikes could an impact on almost all routine care including likely difficulties discharging patients.

“We have already said we expect this to be the most challenging winter yet with strike action in the mix, and high occupancy in our hospitals is deeply concerning as our hardworking staff juggle seasonal viruses and strikes going into Christmas.

“Despite these challenges, and thanks to our robust winter and recovery planning, we can see considerable progress being made for patients compared to the same period last year, with over 1,000 more adult beds in place, staff answering the majority of 111 calls within one minute, and ambulance handover delays down a third on last year, all of which demonstrates how staff are still delivering for patients despite the concerns and pressures the NHS is facing.

“I am very grateful to those staff working to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care and I would remind anyone who needs medical support to continue to use 999 and A&E in an emergency and for everything else, use 111 online.”