Politicians must not be afraid of hard choices if necessary

Responding to the latest Downing Street press conference, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said:

“We understand the ambition to continue with the current plans to ease lockdown but urge the Government to continue to be guided by the data in the coming days and weeks, and to act decisively in response. The public must understand that the Prime Minister will have to make some hard choices if data shows this will save lives and prevent NHS services being compromised. We must also be aware of the very real risk that the virus could mutate further if allowed to spread unchecked. Neither the country nor the NHS cannot afford another spike like the one seen earlier this year.
 
“Vaccination remains one of our strongest defences against the virus, and it is vital that everyone who is eligible is encouraged to get vaccinated. So while the Prime Minister’s announcement on accelerating the schedule for second vaccine doses is welcome, it is important that any changes take into account not only the science but the many logistical challenges this will present.
 
"People across the NHS have worked incredibly hard to make the vaccination programme a success and have always said that they need clarity both on scheduling and supply – that has not changed. They will need to be given enough time to make new arrangements and contact patients who may need to rebook second doses. NHS teams will also need greater certainty that supply of vaccines will be available at the right time and in the right place, and that changes to the vaccination schedule will not affect their ability to offer first doses."
   
“The vaccination programme must also be supported by a strong test and trace and above all isolation system, capable of playing a significant role in halting surges. We would repeat our concern that the government has not taken action to improve financial support for people isolating after a positive test. Given the lower rates of vaccination in poorer communities this will be a vital step in supporting control of the virus.”