Services are "extremely busy" due to a combination of factors including high levels of flu and norovirus, an NHS spokesperson said. Health chiefs have urged people to only call 99

The number of people in hospital with flu in England continues to rise, with staff reporting they are under the same pressure as at the height of the Covid pandemic, the NHS medical director has said.

Hospitals in Birmingham, Hampshire, Liverpool and Plymouth have declared critical incidents following a surge in patients with respiratory issues

NHS England said as of 29 December, there were 87 flu patients at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital along with 32 at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. It has led NHS bosses to advise people who become unwell with a winter virus to self-care and call 111 to stop "significant pressure" being put on the healthcare system.

Patients not in an emergency are being asked to see their GP, pharmacy or visit their nearest walk-in centre - or to call the 111 service for advice.