The trusts followed hospitals in Cornwall and Birmingham in de-escalating incidents this week after flu hospital admissions quadrupled last month.

University Hospitals of Liverpool Group stood down its critical incident on 13 January after it was declared on 7 January, commenting: ‘We would like to thank members of the public who have supported us by choosing other services, such as a GP, local pharmacy or walk-in centre, as it means we have been able to focus our efforts on our sickest patients.

‘Colleagues at Aintree and Royal Liverpool hospitals have been working hard to see and treat people as quickly as possible and, where appropriate, get them home to their loved ones.'

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also announced its de-escalation yesterday after it was declared on 7 January.

Andy Hyett, Hampshire Hospitals' chief operating officer, said: ‘We are enormously grateful to the public for the way in which they are supporting our staff by only coming to the Emergency Department if seriously ill or injured.

‘Treating those who need us most is our priority and the public's efforts is making a real difference. Although stepping down from a critical incident is positive and testament to the hard work of our staff and the support of our system partners, we are not out of the woods yet and are unlikely to be for many weeks to come.

‘We ask that people continue seeking treatment and healthcare elsewhere unless very unwell.'