Commenting on rising hospital admissions, NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson said:

“It’s important to look beyond the national average of COVID-related hospital admissions, which are currently significantly lower than in the first peak of the pandemic. As often happens, national averages hide significant regional variation.

“Many trust chief executives across the North West, North East and Yorkshire are telling us that their admissions levels are rising rapidly. They are understandably concerned at this rise particularly since, if it is prolonged, it will start to coincide with winter when the NHS is at its busiest.

“They are worried that the data may be suggesting that current local lockdowns are insufficient to cut transmission rates. If that is the case we will need to rapidly consider whether tougher local lockdowns are needed to protect the NHS as it enters its busy winter period.

“We understand restrictions are frustrating and come at a very significant cost. But we cannot afford to be complacent as we move towards winter. Local trust leaders are also clear that if local lockdowns are to carry legitimacy, local political leaders must be involved in key decisions on how and what type of lockdowns are introduced”.