Responding to research from Labour1 which looks at the waiting list crisis across the country and calls for an urgent rescue plan, BMA deputy chair Dr David Wrigley said:
“These figures2 are alarming and further confirmation of the serious concerns the BMA has around the scale of suffering being experienced by patients as a result of the lengthening elective care waiting lists and the wider backlog of care exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As doctors, we want to do our best to treat patients as quickly as possible but with the ongoing demands from the pandemic, long term staffing shortages plus inadequate resources, this means that for many staff working in the NHS, the challenge feels insurmountable.
“NHS staff have and continue to work tirelessly to treat patients but managing the current level of demand without adequate resourcing has taken a great toll on the mental health of many who have been pushed to the brink of burnout.
“It is clear that the Government must confront this spiralling situation and be forthcoming with immediate investment in the workforce to allow the NHS to cope with existing and future demand.
“The NHS and its workers are in urgent need of support and failure to do so will jeopardise the care of millions of patients and store up even greater problems for the future.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.
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- Data taken from NHS England
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