Commenting on the Academy of Medical Sciences report – Preparing for a challenging winter, deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said:

"This report is a stark reminder of the real and continuing threat posed by coronavirus.

"Our recent report Recovery position: what next for the NHS?  highlighted trust leaders' concerns of severe winter pressures combining with a second surge of COVID cases.

"The NHS responded magnificently to the first wave of COVID-19.

"We agree with the Academy that a second wave this winter could pose a huge and dangerous challenge.

"That is why even as trusts work to restart and extend routine services, it’s vital that we retain sufficient capacity to cope with a second surge in COVID-19 cases.

"While the public should have full confidence that the NHS is there to treat and care for them when they need it, we also need a much more open conversation about the differences we will all see in how that care is delivered for some time to come."