This will have a knock-on effect for planned operations.“While waiting lists are reducing, they are not coming down fast enough to guarantee the Government will meet its milestone on the 18-week target within this Parliament.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the boss of NHS England, said: "The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS - the figures are adding to our 'quad-demic' worries."

NHS England has warned services “tidal wave” of infections and are bracing for a “quad-demic” of bugs this winter, with the increase in cases of flu, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and expected increases of Covid-19.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: "The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and f

The national medical director for NHS England said: "The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS."

The NHS has warned of a “tidal wave” of flu infections in the last seven days, with a 70 per cent increase in hospital cases in England.