Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on a BMA survey showing thousands of doctors are unable to offer patients the care they need because of Covid-19, said:

“The lockdown and measures to prepare the NHS for Covid-19 are creating far reaching consequences for people’s health.

“Non-emergency surgery has been cancelled and treatment for cancer delayed, while evidence suggests that people with sickness are avoiding seeing a doctor or going to A&E. It is also expected that the lockdown will lead to an increase in mental health problems.

“The BMA is right to warn this threatens a long term wave of clinical demand on the NHS, and without action it will mean increased mortality and morbidity. Ministers must come forward with a funded, credible plan to help the NHS get ready to meet this growing need and ensure patients get the care they deserve.”