More than 35million GP appointments have been 'lost' during the Covid pandemic, fuelling fears of a ticking time-bomb of late diagnoses. For example, there were 8m fewer appointments year-on-year last April, during the first lockdown, compared to 2m missed during the second shutdown in November. The NHS waiting list data goes up only until the end of November – and doctors say the total will keep rising. NHS England figures also show that at least 12,000 fewer heart operations than expected took place in England in the year to November 2020 – around one third lower than usual. NHS England figures also show that at least 12,000 fewer heart operations than expected took place in England in the year to November 2020 – around one third lower than usual.

Source: The Nation February 25, 2021 14:48 UTC