Four NHS trusts in England declared critical incidents following a massive surge in A&E admissions that overwhelmed hospital capacity. Health officials attributed the crisis to a combination of rising seasonal respiratory viruses, including a severe flu strain, and significant staff shortages. The trusts took the emergency measure to prioritize the most clinically urgent cases, resulting in the cancellation of many planned operations and outpatient appointments.
Date: January 13, 2026. Source: theguardian.com