Rising demand for services has led an NHS trust serving Suffolk and Essex to declare a critical incident. East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust told the BBC it was facing "significant pressure", including hospitals in Ipswich and Colchester. Earlier this month, the NHS reported a rise in flu and other winter viruses after Christmas. The trust has encouraged people to seek help from pharmacists or use NHS 111 where appropriate.
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Level of virus now circulating is 'unprecedented', says CHI clinical director An unprecedented surge in flu cases has plunged Children's Health Ireland (CHI) into crisis mode, with record numbers of children requiring admission to hospital. The paediatric hospital group held two crisis meetings on Friday to create bed space for the influx of sick children, as doctors warn that the worst of the flu crisis is yet to come.
