Every winter is a challenge for the NHS. But doctors fear this year could be one of the worst yet, as a ‘hugely concerning’ early flu season, a surge in A&E demand and the overhang of a devastating summer put the creaking health service under huge pressure. Medics and officials tell Rebecca Thomas about why they are more scared than ever before Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check