97% of Ipswich and Colchester hospital beds occupied at the start of February

Why it matters: The Trust is operating close to full capacity while facing twin pressures of winter viruses and difficulties discharging patients who are medically fit to leave.

By the numbers:

• 1,232 out of 1,271 beds occupied (97%)

• 257 patients fit for discharge each day

• 102 patients (40%) remained in hospital despite being ready to leave

• 36 patients with norovirus or similar symptoms

The bigger picture: Hospitals across England are experiencing similar pressures, with national bed occupancy reaching its highest level this winter at 95%.

What they're saying: "The system is gridlocked. When there is so little capacity, the flow of patients through the hospital grinds to a halt," said Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

"You can keep adding people into the system through the emergency department but if you can’t discharge them from wards when they are well enough to go home, the system breaks down, and we see the result in emergency department corridors and car parks."

For context: One in seven hospital beds nationally were occupied by patients well enough to be discharged, marking a record high for this winter.

What to watch for: Professor Julian Redhead, NHS England's national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, advised the public to:

• Use NHS 111 online for health advice

• Only use 999 or A&E in life-threatening emergencies

The bottom line: With hospitals operating close to full capacity, health officials are urging people with norovirus symptoms to avoid visiting patients and to stay at home until 48 hours after symptoms stop.