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The hospitals which are being overwhelmed by flu patients have been revealed in a new update from the NHS which shows how cases have rocketed in some parts of England.

Latest figures show more than 200 hospital beds a day were being occupied byflu patients at hospitals in Birmingham last week, which is the worst affected area.

That's up from over 140 a day a week earlier, an increase of almost 50%. NHS England has said this the a record number for this time of year and described it as a 'unprecedented situation'.

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Meanwhile, hospitals in Manchester had an average of over 100 beds a day being taken up byflu patients. It's the second highest number of anywhere in England.

In East London an average of 85 beds a day were being taken up by flu patients last week, while in Stoke on Trent it was 83 beds, in Sheffield 72 beds and in Leeds 64 beds.

• Birmingham (University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust) - 216 beds
• Manchester (Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust) - 108 beds
• East London (Barts Health NHS Trust) - 85 beds
• Stoke on Trent (University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust) - 83 beds
• Sheffield (Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) - 72 beds
• Leeds (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) - 64 beds
• Darlington (County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust) - 50 beds
• North Tyneside (Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) - 46 beds
• North London (Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust) - 44 beds
• Camberley (Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust) - 45 beds
• Coventry (University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust) - 43 beds
• Huddersfield (Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust) - 45 beds
• Grimsby (Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust) - 45 beds
• Wakefield (Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust) - 43 beds
• Leicester (University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust) - 42 beds
• Blackpool (Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) - 43 beds
• SE London (King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust) - 40 beds
• Luton (Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) - 41 beds
• Dartford (Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust) - 40 beds
• Hartlepool (North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust) - 37 beds

The rising number of cases has been described as a ‘super flu surge' by the NHS.

Flu hospitalisations across England have increased by more than half in just one week, plunging the NHS into a “worst case scenario” situation for December.

An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week – the highest ever for this time of year and up 55% up on last week.

It means there are enough flu patients each day to fill more than three whole hospital trusts.

NHS chiefs have warned the total has already increased sharply since the week covered by the data, with no peak in sight.

The number of norovirus patients in hospital beds has also risen by 35% – to an average of 354 each day last week – as winter viruses start to engulf hospitals.

It comes as demand for A&Es and ambulance services is already soaring.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients.

“The numbers of patients in hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year.

“Even worse, it continues to rise and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.

“NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate more people than last year, and with just a week left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I would urge anyone eligible for the vaccine to please book an appointment or visit a walk-in site as soon as possible. Vaccination is the best protection against getting potentially very ill and it also helps protect those around you.

“We have prepared earlier for winter than ever before, and stress-tested services to ensure people have a range of ways to get the help they need and avoid needing to go to A&E.

“For non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place, and use A&E and 999 for life threatening conditions and serious injuries.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said: “There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals. We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible, including already getting over 17 million patients vaccinated, 170,000 more than this time last year, with over 60,000 more NHS staff also getting their jab.

“We have recruited 2,500 more GPs and modernised GP appointment booking, keeping patients cared for in the community and out of hospital.

“The offer I have made to the BMA would help solve the jobs problem resident doctors are facing, and bring an end to strike action this Christmas, which is the most dangerous time of year. I urge resident doctors not to inflict further damage on the NHS, vote for this deal, and call off the Christmas strikes.”