Middle-aged Flu Patients Contribute to Record A&E Admissions at Bradford Royal Infirmary

Admissions to Bradford Royal Infirmary have reached a 13-year high, primarily attributed to middle-aged flu sufferers. A surge in cases of the virus is cited as the reason for the hospital currently treating 500 patients daily. According to a senior doctor, the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department has not been this busy since 2011. In response, hospital managers have implemented a policy restricting visitors to one per patient, with exceptions for those accompanying children or adults who are critically unwell. Dr Mayada Elsheikh, the consultant lead for emergency medicine at the hospital, stated: “On average a busy A&E department would see 300 patients a day; we’re seeing 500-plus.” She added, “When it’s on consecutive days, it’s unsustainable.” Dr Elsheikh further remarked, “I’ve worked in Bradford since 2011 and I don’t remember it ever being this busy.” She also noted: “Every day we are hitting new records with very, very unwell patients. We think it’s probably due to the fact that we’ve got a significant rise in flu.” Dr Elsheikh encouraged individuals eligible for Covid and flu vaccinations to receive them. She explained: “With flu, it usually tends to affect our very frail, older patients, so that means 77 and above. “But actually, we are now seeing a lot of younger patients, so that’s our middle-aged group who are aged anything between 40 to 77.” The public is advised to contact the NHS 111 advice line or consult their GP or pharmacist for minor ailments or injuries. Dr Elsheikh further stated: “Our pharmacists are really, really good and are able to do a lot more than people think they can.” She elaborated, “They’re able to treat and diagnose minor illnesses probably a lot quicker than you would get if you are waiting for a GP or in A&E.” She concluded with a plea: “All we can do is ask for our community to help us. “So if they can avoid coming to the A&E department, which is for accidents and emergencies, please avoid it and that’s how you help us.”