NHS Cheshire and Merseyside under pressure as demand for services increases
Friday, 5 December 2025
NHS services across Cheshire and Merseyside are under pressure, with demand for primary care, hospital services, mental health, and emergency services continuing to rise.
Flu season has come early this year with cases rising quickly and hospitals across the region currently seeing high numbers of sick patients, including those with existing chronic respiratory conditions which are often exacerbated by cold weather. Latest data shows an average of 295* people per day were in hospital last week with flu across Cheshire and Merseyside, that’s more than double the number from the same week last year.
The NHS is reminding people across the region that ED should only be used for life threatening illnesses and encouraging the use NHS 111 for conditions which are less urgent and to ease pressures on emergency departments. NHS 111 is available online at 111.nhs.uk or via the NHS App, as well as by phone, and can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local health service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“Winter is traditionally a period of high demand across our NHS services, driven by increases in flu, respiratory infections, and other seasonal illnesses.
“We encourage people to use the most appropriate services for their needs over the coming weeks. NHS 111 online is a great first port of call if you have an urgent health need and can help to signpost to appropriate NHS services.”
“Having a small supply of basic medicines, such as paracetamol, plasters, and indigestion remedies, is another way to manage minor illnesses or injuries at home, with community pharmacy teams able to offer advice on what to have a home.”
Other steps people can take to stay well this winter include regularly washing hands to help reduce the spread of illness and getting their winter vaccinations without delay if they haven’t done so already to avoid flu, as cases across the region continue to rise.
Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, Medical Director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“The increase in flu cases and other seasonal viruses creates additional demand during an already very challenging winter period. While the NHS anticipate these pressures and plan extensively to manage this demand, it’s important that those eligible have their winter vaccines to prevent them from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.”
“Having your winter vaccines will help to ease the workload on hospitals and the dedicated NHS staff who work tirelessly to deliver safe, effective care for those who need it most during these challenging months.”
Those eligible for a free flu vaccine include people aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, and young children. People are encouraged to book their appointment now through their GP, local pharmacy, or NHS online services. Winter vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus with no appointment necessary.
Parents should ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus. If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia.
For information about where to get winter vaccinations in Cheshire and Merseyside, visit the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside winter vaccines webpage.
For more advice and information about seasonal health, visit the NHS UK website.
*Latest available data ending 30 November 2025