The hidden impact of Covid-19 on patient care in the NHS in England

The hidden impact of Covid-19 on patient care in the NHS in England The Covid-19 pandemic led to an extensive shift in the package of care provided by the NHS as hospitals had to prepare for a large surge in patients requiring intensive care. Whilst these changes meant that intensive care did not have to be rationed to Covid-19 patients, data indicates that the shutdown of most non-Covid services, combined with drastic changes in patient behaviour, mean the NHS is now facing a large backlog of non-Covid-19 care, storing up greater problems for the future. This report investigates the extent to which non-Covid care has been disrupted over April, May and June 2020, and the likely impact this will have in the longer term. British Medical Association