VIEWS FROM THE EXPERTS...

Dr Sonya Babu- Narayan, associate medical director, the British Heart Foundation: There has been a devastating impact on people with heart and circulatory disease. As we see a rise in cases, we must use the lessons learned, and protect planned heart tests and treatments such as stents, pacemakers and heart surgery so we can avoid deaths that could be prevented.

Fiona Carragher, director of research, Alzheimer’s Society: On top of thousands dead from the virus, people with dementia continue to decline dreadfully due to the impact of isolation and suspension of health and social care services. The NHS and local authorities must set out how they will involve social care providers in winter pressure planning.

Adrienne Betteley, Macmillan Cancer Support: We know most people with cancer would prefer to die at home if they have the right support. Unfortunately, we are seeing unprecedented demand. This is not sustainable and, with a tough winter ahead, extra resources in end- of- life and palliative care are needed now to ensure high- quality care.

Professor Pat Price, chair of Action Radiotherapy: Today’s figures are more damning evidence of the Government’s failure to tackle the treatment backlog. This is the worst cancer crisis I have seen in my 30- year career. Frontline staff are amazing and going above and beyond, but… we need a super- boost to services, like advanced radiotherapy, to clear the huge patient backlog.

Karen Stalbow, head of policy, Prostate Cancer UK: Over 11,500 men die each year from prostate cancer and, with Covid- 19 restrictions, larger numbers of men are dying at home. However, we also know it’s been more challenging to get end of life care. It is essential men at the end of their lives can access safe services, regardless of any second wave.

Professor Gordon Wishart, CEO, Check4Cancer: During lockdown, we saw a 70 per cent reduction in urgent GP cancer referrals and 60 per cent reduction in attendance for chemotherapy. The NHS must establish a ‘ Covid- light’ environment to reinstate urgent cancer diagnostics and treatment, and clear the screening and diagnostic backlog of 3 million.