Responding to the latest winter situation report figures from NHS England, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"These figures provide further evidence, were it needed, of a service overstretched.

"It's very worrying to see flu admissions rising so steeply, alongside so many other pressures, contributing to unacceptably high bed occupancy rates which make it much harder to ensure safe high quality care.

"Increased staff sickness is another concern, compounding severe workforce shortages.

"This is impacting on care right through the system, including ambulances, hospital A&Es, mental health and community services.

"Staff are working flat out in very difficult circumstances to minimise disruption for patients.

"The worry is that as these pressures intensify, with the potential further impact of industrial action, we could see more delays in the new year.

"There are no easy quick fixes, but a resolution on pay, with government and the unions sitting down together to find a way through, would be an important step in the right direction."

You can follow our analysis of the latest winter figures from NHS England through our NHS Winter Watch campaign.