Responding to confirmation that the NHS is returning to the top level of emergency preparedness, NHS Providers deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery, said:

“Today’s announcement by NHS England that the health service will tonight be returning to the highest level of emergency preparedness is confirmation that the health service is once again facing one of the most challenging periods in its history.

“We have already urged MPs to support the NHS by voting today for the new national lockdown restrictions, and in doing so send a strong signal to the public about the importance of observing the measures.

“Current regional lockdown approaches and test and trace have failed to reduce the number of infections and the number of patients requiring admission to hospital.

Alongside treating more COVID-19 patients than at the height of the first wave, trusts are also providing above average levels of cancer care and planned surgery. But this is now under threat.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

“Alongside treating more COVID-19 patients than at the height of the first wave, trusts are also providing above average levels of cancer care and planned surgery. But this is now under threat.

“Some hospitals have already had to reduce planned care to ensure there is enough capacity.

“Despite months of preparation for the second wave, this is going to be an extremely difficult winter for the NHS and will place a further burden on staff who have worked relentlessly since the start of the pandemic to care for patients.

“The NHS needs the public to fully comply with the new national lockdown restrictions to reduce the spread and ensure it can provide care to every patient that needs it this winter.”