Members of the public have been urged to closely follow coronavirus regulations on New Year's Eve by health bosses.
The group which represents NHS trusts in England says that, as cases rise across the UK, sticking to the rules is essential - adding that hospitals in Tier 4 areas have seen “a real rise in pressure” in the last few days, PA reports.
Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said: “The public should be under no illusions that this is one of the most challenging times for the NHS.
“It is vital that everyone heeds the new rules and restrictions in the run-up to the New Year and beyond.
“After all, it takes a lot longer to curb the spread of the virus than it does to contract it.
“But despite the difficulties the service is facing, there is hope.
“The vaccine is here and is being rolled out, hopefully to all vulnerable groups by late spring.”
Hospitals in Tier 4 areas including London and the South are being tested right now, Ms Cordery added.
Speaking on the BBC, she said: “We’re seeing a real rise in the pressure for hospital services, but also other types of NHS services as well… ambulance trusts in particular are coming under extreme pressure, as are community and mental health services…
“Part of the issue is many more people coming through the door with Covid, but also people coming through the door with other conditions as well.”
She added: “We’re seeing real pressure particularly in London and the South, and that comes from this added demand, but also staff absence.
“It’s localised at the moment, but we could see that growing, and I think it’s really important to remember that what’s going on in the community is also going on in healthcare settings.”
Ms Cordery said the spread of coronavirus among communities “impacts hugely” on staffing levels across the NHS.
