Exeter NHS faces winter pressures as ambulance delays and norovirus surge impact hospitals

Exeter’s hospitals and health services are facing significant pressure this winter as seasonal illnesses, high bed occupancy, and delayed discharges continue to strain local NHS resources. 

While some indicators, such as flu and COVID-19, show signs of decline, the most vulnerable residents remain at risk, and staff are working tirelessly to manage demand.

At the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which serves Exeter and surrounding areas, ambulance handovers continue to experience delays. 

Between 24 November 2025 and 18 January 2026, the trust recorded 83 handovers, with a mean handover time of 28 minutes 14 seconds. 

Around 87 per cent of handovers took longer than 15 minutes, and nearly 40 per cent exceeded 30 minutes, although only 1 per cent surpassed 60 minutes. 

READ NEXT: E-Scooter ride seriously injured in Cranbrook collision as police appeal for witnesses 

Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “The NHS in Devon is coping well with the sustained and significant pressure we planned for during the challenging winter period.”

“Whilst we are beginning to see signs of seasonal viruses like flu and COVID reduce, the effects of these conditions on the most vulnerable in our communities remains significant – it’s not too late for those eligible to have vaccinations to protect themselves and others for the remainder of the winter months.”

Nationally, NHS England reported 94.5 per cent  of general and acute hospital beds were occupied in the week ending 18 January 2026, the highest mid-January level since 2020. 

Hospitals are also grappling with a surge in norovirus, with an average of 823 patients in hospital each day, more than double the number two weeks earlier. 

Despite these pressures, NHS staff efforts have yielded improvements. 

Average ambulance handover times last week fell to 37 minutes 22 seconds, over five minutes faster than the previous week, and 73.8 per cent of patients were admitted, transferred, or discharged within four hours in December—the trust’s best performance in five years.

Care home managers in Exeter have highlighted funding shortfalls as a key factor behind delayed hospital discharges. 

Helen Thompson, co-owner of Ochre Care, explained: “About 65 per cent of our residents are not funded appropriately for their dependency, so privately funded residents help subsidise the gap.”

“Currently, the company receives £994 per week for council-funded residents, but the actual cost of care can be up to £1,300 a week.” 

Nationally, only 12–16 per cent of patients ready to leave care are discharged promptly, contributing to crowded wards and increased waiting times in emergency departments.

Winter illnesses continue to impact the region. Norovirus cases remain high, particularly among those aged 65 and over. 

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Norovirus cases have remained high in recent weeks and continue to rise, particularly among people aged 65 and over. This increase is in line with what we expected following Christmas, and we are now seeing hospital outbreaks begin to climb as well.” 

Although flu and COVID-19 activity is declining, RSV remains a concern in older adults. Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, urged: “While trends are heading in the right direction, it’s important to remember that we are not yet at the end of the flu season and people should still take necessary steps to reduce the spread, particularly around those more vulnerable.” 

Vaccination remains the NHS’s best defence. 

Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasized: “If you’re eligible for a vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness – every year we see many thousands end up in hospital and far too many deaths from flu.”

He added: “It’s crucial that everyone eligible books their appointment as soon as possible.”

NHS services are urging residents to play their part in reducing pressure. 

Guidance includes calling 999 only for serious emergencies, using NHS 111 online or by phone for non-urgent medical advice, taking precautions against winter illnesses such as frequent handwashing, staying home until 48 hours symptom-free, making use of community pharmacies for minor illnesses, and supporting hospital flow by collecting loved ones ready for discharge. 

Peter Collins added: “Community pharmacies across Devon can help support people with fast, expert treatment for seven common conditions such as sore throats and sinusitis, without the need for a GP appointment.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting reiterated that government investment (including £450 million to expand urgent and emergency care and 500 new ambulances) is helping ensure patients receive care when it matters most

. As Exeter’s NHS continues to manage winter pressures, the public is encouraged to follow guidance, get vaccinated if eligible, and support the system where possible. 

With ongoing vigilance, cooperation, and staff dedication, the city’s health services are striving to navigate one of the busiest periods of the year.