Scottish health secretary Neil Gray praised the ‘resolve and resilience’ of the NHS and the dedication of the workforce in tackling the ‘extraordinary surge’ in Influenza A cases.
This follows the number of patients admitted into hospitals for flu surpassing the recent peak of the winter of 2022/23.
In a statement to Parliament, Mr Gray praised the NHS response to the increase in flu cases, and also thanked members of the public for following guidance on the best way to access services, and for contributing to reduce the spread of infections in the community.
He said that, as of 15th December, more than 1.2 million adult flu vaccinations had been delivered, and those eligible have until March to claim their vaccination. Many health boards are offering drop-in clinics.
He also said that advice is available through the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service without an appointment, with £13.6 million of additional funding invested in General Practices to enable the recruitment and retention of staff.
Additionally, services such as Discharge to Access and Hospital at Home are also paramount in helping health and social care partnerships reduce later discharges so people can leave hospital as soon as they are ready to.
Neil Gray said: “The resilience and determination shown by staff in the face of pressures across the health and care sector is inspiring.
“Every part of our health service has gone above and beyond to serve the country during the hardest months of the year.
“I’d like to thank the ambulance service staff for their sacrifice and devotion to their task, staying at work beyond the end of their shift as they wait to turnaround at hospitals.
“I’d also like to thank social care staff doing extra shifts to make up for staff being off sick with flu and GPs working at the weekends to offer appointments and bolster the resilience of the entire system.
“Hospital staff, like the porter I met at St John’s in Livingston on Christmas Eve, are working hard to turnaround beds as quickly as possible.
“This is the reality of public service — relentless, skilled, devoted and dedicated work to serve the people that need it most.
“Thanks to the incredible efforts of NHS staff and sure-handed planning, we are facing this with resilience and resolve.
