Responding to the latest COVID-19 data from NHS England and NHS Improvement the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"These figures are further evidence of how COVID-pressures are intensifying across the country, particularly in London and the South East, where the surge in admissions over the last few days is extremely worrying.

"Overall, as of yesterday there were 22,713 COVID-19 patients in hospital in England – up more than 27% in seven days. Over the same period the number of COVID-19 patients in critical care beds rose by 35%.

"We know COVID-19 cases are rising sharply, with the new variant making a big impact, so more demand for treatment is 'baked in'. We are in for a very difficult new year."