Nicola Shopland, Site Chief Nurse at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Help us wage war on winter — our hospitals are facing a barrage of winter viruses including flu, and our emergency departments are feeling the strain.

“We need your help — get your flu vaccine, stay at home for two days if you have vomiting and diarrhoea, and use NHS 111 online unless it’s an emergency.”