Huge backlog of patients waiting for care
TREATMENT has been postponed for those suffering with an array of illnesses due to the virus.
At least 28,000 heart procedures have been delayed, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, the BHF’s associate medical director, said: “The current pandemic has resulted in a backlog of people with heart and circulatory diseases who have had hospital treatments and tests postponed.
“People with heart and circulatory diseases are already at increased risk of dying from Covid-19, and their lives should not be put at even greater risk by missing out on treatment for their condition.”
Around 2.4 million people are believed to have had cancer screening, treatment or tests disrupted during the outbreak.
Cancer Research UK has warned that more than 23,000 cancers could have gone undiagnosed during lockdown.
Steven McIntosh, director of policy campaigns and influencing at Macmillan Cancer Support, said coronavirus had created a “ticking timebomb of undiagnosed and untreated cancer in the UK” which has left patients feeling desperately anxious and alone”.
And thousands of arthritis sufferers are among those who have had treatment delayed.
Charity Versus Arthritis said waiting lists were already a problem before the pandemic. Now the backlog is even greater.
Liam O’Toole, chief executive of Versus Arthritis, said: “Thousands are going to be left in pain as they wait for a new surgery date.”