Flu surge piles pressure on Torbay Hospital as call made for emergency jab drive

Surging flu admissions are adding new pressure to Torbay Hospital, prompting Torbay MP Steve Darling to call for an emergency vaccination scheme in community venues across the Bay.

NHS figures show flu hospitalisations have risen by 55 per cent in a week, with an average of 2,659 patients in hospital beds with flu each day last week. Torbay Hospital is already experiencing significant demand, with long A&E waits and high bed occupancy heading into winter.

Steve Darling said a more proactive approach was needed locally to boost uptake among vulnerable groups. His proposal would see flu vaccinations delivered in supermarkets, churches, social clubs and pubs, supported by roaming “jab vans” and volunteers who helped during the pandemic.

He said: “Torbay’s A&E is already under incredible pressure before the flu surge, with vulnerable patients waiting days to be admitted at A&E. Without bold action, our local NHS may reach breaking point.

“This year, we must get more jabs in arms or local people will suffer. That’s why I’m calling for vaccines to be offered in community spaces in Torbay – from pubs to churches – to prevent a disaster for our local health services and protect our elderly and vulnerable residents.”

New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show early flu vaccine uptake among children in Torbay remains below the South West average.

Between 1 September and 31 October 2025:

• 31.8 per cent of primary school-aged children in Torbay received the nasal spray vaccine
• Just 1.7 per cent of secondary school pupils aged 11–16 were vaccinated
• Overall uptake for school-aged children (4–16) in Torbay was 17.0 per cent, compared with 23.6 per cent across the South West

UKHSA is urging more families to come forward before Christmas and other festive gatherings, when indoor mixing increases the risk of infection.

UKHSA has also highlighted the long-standing issue of low uptake among people under 65 with long-term health conditions – a group at significantly higher risk of severe illness.

Last winter, just 42.5 per cent of eligible Torbay residents in this group received a flu vaccine.That means 10,004 were vaccinated but 13,529 remained unprotected.

Across the South West, 487,554 eligible people in clinical risk groups missed their flu jab last winter.

Dr Fiona Neely, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: “Every year we see many people across the South West with long-term health conditions ending up seriously ill in hospital from flu, and tragically some dying, when for most this could be prevented with a vaccine.

“If you have a long-term health condition like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or a condition affecting your immune system, you are eligible for a free flu vaccine.“With nearly half a million people in our region still unprotected, I urge everyone eligible to come forward now.”