Overview
- New analysis of NHS data reports 2,268,865 emergency respiratory admissions in England between April 2024 and March 2025, up from 1,841,010 two years earlier.
- Last winter recorded about 1.1 million hospital admissions for breathing emergencies, with a pronounced spike in December.
- Approximately 405,000 patients were readmitted within 30 days in the latest year, underscoring a rise in short-term 'bounceback' attendances.
- Asthma and Lung UK is calling for a national respiratory strategy to strengthen routine community care and reduce avoidable hospital visits.
- NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care say winter preparations are underway, highlighting vaccination drives, stress-tested hospital plans, and increased GP appointment capacity.