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Growing and alarming backlog of clinical need with patients – Jonathan Ashworth

Thursday, 14 May 2020 11:56

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on NHS statistics published today, said: “Today’s figures suggest a growing and alarming backlog of clinical need with patients waiting longer for operations or diagnostic tests. GP referrals are down and patients are avoiding A&E and calling out ambulances. “We support the lockdown to suppress this horrific virus but the far reaching consequences for wider health...Request free trial

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on NHS statistics published today, said:

“Today’s figures suggest a growing and alarming backlog of clinical need with patients waiting longer for operations or diagnostic tests. GP referrals are down and patients are avoiding A&E and calling out ambulances.

“We support the lockdown to suppress this horrific virus but the far reaching consequences for wider health outcomes must not be ignored.

“Resetting the NHS to continue treating Covid and non-Covid patients is a huge priority. We’re calling on ministers to urgently come forward with a resourced plan to ensure every patient receives the care they need.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

NHS stats published this morning show that:

A&E attendances at hospitals in England were down 57% in April compared with the same month a year ago – falling to the lowest figure on record. Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2020-21/
The number of attendances admitted, transferred or discharged within 4 hours is the lowest reported since the collection began and is likely to be a result of the COVID-19 response. Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2020-21/
GP referrals made for year-to-date (YTD) March 2020 decreased by 4.1% compared to March 2019. These referrals had shown a 2.1% increase at the same stage last year. Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/hospital-activity/monthly-hospital-activity/
GP referrals seen for YTD March 2020 decreased by 1.1% compared to March 2019. These referrals had shown a 2.1% increase at the same stage last year. Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/hospital-activity/monthly-hospital-activity/
20.9 thousand calls to 999 answered, the fewest since these data items were first collected nationally in December 2017. Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ambulance-quality-indicators/ambulance-quality-indicators-data-2020-21/