PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson is backing calls by the British Heart Foundation to address the coronavirus pandemic’s devastating impact on heart care.
A new report from the charity has estimated that 1,739 people in East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) could be waiting for life saving heart diagnosis and treatment two years after the start of the pandemic – more than 40 per cent higher than the waiting list before the start of the pandemic.
Mr Stephenson said: “It was eye-opening to speak with the BHF at the Conservative Party Conference about the significant disruption to vital heart care during the pandemic and what will be needed to urgently address this growing backlog.
“I agree that urgent action is needed to end the untold heartbreak now. A clear plan, alongside significant and ongoing investment, is vital to build capacity back into the health service and relieve the pressure on overstretched health workers. I pledge to work with the BHF to ensure this is a priority for the Government.”
The charity is calling on the Government to take significant action to reduce the heart care backlog and build a stronger NHS for the future, including a clear plan for cardiovascular services.
The BHF warns that without immediate intervention, alongside the necessary investment at the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review, there is a risk that thousands more people could die from heart and circulatory diseases, despite the NHS going above and beyond during the pandemic.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here