All of Devon's hospitals have declared critical incidents as the health service faces a "perfect storm" of demand. Derriford Hospital, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Torbay Hospital and North Devon Hospital are all warning of "significant pressures" on their services, NHS Devon said.

Derriford Hospital has declared a critical incident - health bosses said the hospital has faced an overwhelming amount of pressure due to a high volume of patients

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust declared a “critical incident” due to extreme demand for emergency care, with 15 ambulances queued outside. Staff face severe pressure as flu cases surge, leading to overcrowded A&E departments and extended waiting times of up to nearly six hours.

Liverpool Royal Hospital has told people to visit their GPs or call 111 unless it is a medical emergency amid high numbers visiting its A&E department as they get overwhelmed with virus illnesses