The Week in Numbers (to the 20th of October)

Winter’s coming

Four 

We focused the NHS system on four aims. None of these are equitable or in an excellent state for this winter.

• Equitable longer healthy life expectancy.

• Excellent quality, safety and outcomes.

• Excellent access and experience.

• Value for taxpayers’ money.

The NHS: Where does all the money go?

3,171 

As of 16 October 2024, 3,171 COVID-19 cases were identified in hospital settings in week 41, compared to 3,086 cases in the previous week. However, surveillance still doesn’t want to—or know how to—report the number of people who caught the infection in the hospital.  

2.3% 

As of 16 October, influenza positivity increased to a weekly average positivity rate of 2.3% compared with 2% in the previous week. 

10 seconds 

The Independent reports that short ‘micro-walks’ could improve health. A study suggests that Walking for 10 to 30 seconds in stints could burn more calories than continuously walking the same distance. So now that winter is coming, walking to the fridge all day seems slightly better than going for a long walk in the rain …