A WARNING has been issued ahead of planned doctor's strikes set to take place amid surging cases in Essex at the height of flu season.
Patients have been encouraged to take up flu vaccinations by an East of England health leader with "more than double" the number of people hospitalised with flu than at the same time last year.
The alarming trend comes amid an announcement by the British Medical Association, a union representing almost 200,000 doctors nationwide, that strikes will take place from December 17 to December 22 this year.
Strikes will impact services at a time of year when demand on health services is already high, with eligible people encouraged to sign-up for the vaccine to mitigate strain on the NHS and limit 999 calls to cases needing urgent care.
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Adam Cayley, chief operating officer for the NHS in the east of England, said: “Despite earlier preparations for winter than ever before, the climbing flu cases in the region and planned resident doctor strikes will undoubtedly put further pressure on NHS services at a time of the year when demand is already high.
“The vaccine is our best defence against flu, with those vaccinated much less likely to end up in hospital even if they catch it – and by getting your jab now, you’ll have the best possible protection for you and your loved ones as we head into the festive period.
“Meanwhile, to help reduce pressure on our region’s hospitals it’s more important than ever that patients get the care they need in the most appropriate place.
"For non-life-threatening care, call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place. As always, A&E and 999 is there for life-threatening conditions and serious injuries.”
Figures from NHS weekly reports show demand across the service in the east of England is already high, with ambulances handing over almost 10,000 patients to hospitals in the region and NHS 111 call handlers taking almost 50,000 calls.
More than 2.1 million flu jabs have been administered already this year, with the service encouraging patients to make use of online consultations and pharmacies for prescription medications wherever possible.
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