Dr Ben Spencer MP last night called on Government to boost NHS capacity as part of a long term plan to live with endemic covid.
Welcoming the Prime Ministers roadmap to lifting restrictions, which stated there is no credible way to pursue a zero covid strategy, Dr Spencer called for the Government to also address the long term impact of covid on the NHS. The increased infection control measures and social distancing required as a result of the pandemic have resulted in a reduction in NHS capacity, even after covid admissions have fallen, and it is increasingly evident that covid is a seasonal disease and will add to winter pressures already experienced from flu and pneumonia.
Highlighting conversations with his local hospital, St Peters, the MP for Runnymede and Weybridge was clear that money alone cannot resolve this, and a plan is needed to address and increase NHS resources, especially increasing the number of trained staff.
He said:
The news that nursing applications have increased is welcome, however these staff are needed now. I am calling on the Government to assess what we need now, and to bring forward a plan so we can live with covid for the long term, as the Prime Minister's roadmap sets out, and prevent any prospect of future restrictions being reintroduced.
The full speech is available here.
