Figures released today show more general and acute hospital beds were occupied in the week ending 18 January (94.5%) than at any point during the middle of January since 2020 (95%).

NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said: ‘A rise in this vomiting virus is leaving hospitals under pressure. Norovirus cases didn't peak until February last winter, so we're monitoring closely for further increases ahead of another predicted cold snap this weekend.'

There were an average of 823 patients in hospital with norovirus each day last week - the highest number so far this winter – and up 45% on the previous week and more than double what it was a fortnight ago (361).

Despite the increase in demand from norovirus, there were signs the hard work of NHS staff was having an impact for patients this winter.

Average ambulance handover times last week (37:22) were more than five minutes faster than the previous week (42:51).

A&E data published last week also showed 73.8% of patients were admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours in December - the best it's been for five years.

Matthew Taylor, interim chief executive of NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation, said: ‘NHS leaders and their teams are working incredibly hard to keep patients safe amid these sustained pressures, so it is welcome to see the drop in flu levels and improvements in ambulance handovers, however, with further cold weather on the horizon it's unlikely that there will be a let up any time soon.'