News

Help us to help you this Winter

30 December 2025

Like most other hospitals across the NHS, we are experiencing high levels of emergency care demand which is further exacerbated by a higher-than-normal number of flu cases this year. As of this week, we have over 90 patients admitted with flu and many more with other respiratory illnesses. We have plans in place to manage increases in demand, however this year the number of flu cases is adding to the normal winter pressures.

Our plans include increasing the number of beds where possible, ensuring timely discharge of patients who no longer need medical care and the use of same day assessment units where it is appropriate for a patient to be seen and discharged on the same day.

Teams are working exceptionally hard across our hospitals and community services, and people can help us by collecting patients in a timely manner when ready for discharge and only using A&E in genuine emergencies. Alternatives for non-emergency care are available here: Sheffield Urgent Care - Sheffield Teaching Hospital.

We would also ask people not to visit our hospitals if you are unwell to limit the spread of flu and other seasonal illnesses. We would also urge everyone who is eligible to ensure they get their flu vaccination to give themselves the best possible protection.

People that can get the free NHS flu vaccine:

  • people aged 65 or over
  • anyone 6 months to 64 years old with certain long-term health conditions
  • pregnant women
  • children aged 2 to 3 years old
  • residents in long-stay residential care homes
  • carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
  • anyone living with someone who has a weakened immune system

It is easy to book a vaccination:

  • If you've signed up for the NHS App, you can use it to book a Flu vaccination.
  • You can download or sign up for the NHS App if you have not used it before.
  • You can call 119 free of charge to book over the phone if you cannot book online.
  • You can speak to a translator if you need to.
  • You can find a pharmacy that offers walk-in appointments without booking.
  • You can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service if you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or if you are a BSL user.

 

More information


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