RCoA response to Professor Chris Witty, Chief Medical Officer, and Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Advisor press conference on COVID-19

Professor Ravi Mahajan, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists said:

“The statement by Professor Chris Witty, Chief Medical Officer, and Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Advisor today highlights the impact of a second surge in COVID-19, potentially causing unknown damage to the country and thousands more unnecessary deaths. As we move into winter, with the pressure of other illnesses, it is important to ensure that any significant rise in cases of COVID-19 do not overwhelm the NHS.

 “Anaesthetists played a pivotal role in tackling the first wave of the pandemic and will continue to do so. However, any second surge will see the healthcare system stretched further, with planned surgery now needing to continue alongside caring for COVID-19 patients, carried out by a tired workforce.

 “If we are to curb the spread of the virus, the public must be vigilant, and the Royal College of Anaesthetists urges everybody to follow the advice of the government and healthcare experts. Healthcare workers and the government have a responsibility to help halt the rise in cases, however if individuals increase their own risk, they also increase the risk of others around them. By taking responsibility for our own health we could stop a devastating second surge and save thousands of lives.”