In response to latest official COVID-19 infection figures, NHS Providers' interim chief executive, Saffron Cordery, said:

"A rise in COVID-19 infections and more than 7,000 people in hospital with the virus is putting more pressure on the NHS.

"New admissions are up by almost half in a week and the number of patients on ventilators is up too. The virus is still a danger.

"Everyone across the health and care system is braced for a possible double whammy of COVID-19 and flu waves, as we head into what promises to be an extremely busy winter for an already overstretched NHS. Trust leaders continue to be vigilant to protect the most vulnerable patients.

"Our message to everyone offered a COVID-19 booster or flu vaccine is 'get jabbed', to combat the risk of serious illness and to help to ease pressure on health services."