NHS Confederation - Mortality figures ‘stark reminder’ of escalating COVID-19 second wave

14 Oct 2020 02:39 PM

Dr Layla McCay, director at the NHS Confederation, responded to the latest COVID-19 mortality figures published by the ONS 

“These figures are a stark reminder that this crisis is once again escalating, which is especially concerning as we know that the number of deaths will only increase, given the lag time from hospital admissions, which are now at or near levels seen in March. There is now the added challenge of winter to contend with, and while our members in some of the worst-affected areas tell us the system is coping for now, a significant increase could create capacity challenges – including sickness and burnout among staff.

“Staff are doing everything they can to bring back routine services alongside treating rising numbers of COVID-19 patients, across the system from primary care to acute hospitals. We must remember that if COVID-19 demands rise and affect the ability to deliver other services, this could have a knock-on effect on non-COVID deaths. Avoiding this will depend on the public understanding and enacting any new restrictions. It will also depend on the Government ensuring all communities know what is expected of them, as well as bolstering the test and trace system, which is failing to meet requirements.

"The Government must uphold its commitment to test frontline staff regularly, and act on the advice it receives from its scientific and medical experts. The reports that SAGE recommendations for certain restrictions were not implemented are especially concerning, as selective application of advice could have serious repercussions for the spread of the virus.”