Four NHS Trusts Declare Critical Incidents Amid Flu Surge

Health officials in Kent and Surrey announced critical incidents on 12 January 2026 after a spike in complex A&E attendances driven by a surge in flu and norovirus cases. The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust all reported sustained pressure, exacerbated by staff sickness and a recent cold snap. East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust declared a critical incident at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, citing fully booked beds and extremely high emergency attendance. NHS England noted an average of 2,924 patients in hospital beds with flu during the week ending 4 January, up 9% from 2,676 the previous week, and bed occupancy at 92%.