Critical report raises pressure on NHS maternity services and will worry expectant mothers

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that impending strikes by resident doctors, set to begin on December 17, combined with a significant rise in flu cases, could lead to the collapse of the NHS, which is already facing its worst crisis since the Covid pandemic. Streeting urged doctors to accept the government's offer to resolve the dispute and avert further disruption.

The NHS is currently facing a significant challenge as the spread of subclade K, referred to as the 'super flu,' is intensifying, leading to a surge in hospital admissions across England. Recent reports indicate that hospitalised cases have increased by over 50% compared to the previous year, with an average of 1,717 patients per day. This alarming trend highlights the severity of the flu season, which has started unusually early this year.

Campaigners have initiated a legal process to suspend a clinical trial of puberty blockers in England, citing concerns that the research could be harmful to participating children. This trial was commissioned following a review by Dr. Hilary Cass, which highlighted the lack of robust evidence in gender medicine.