New figures on suspected cancer referrals puts scale of Covid crisis into focus - the YEP says

Throughout this unprecedented crisis the National Health Service has been a real beacon.
Today new figures lay bare the impact that the crisis has had on the city’s health services. Picture: ShutterstockToday new figures lay bare the impact that the crisis has had on the city’s health services. Picture: Shutterstock
Today new figures lay bare the impact that the crisis has had on the city’s health services. Picture: Shutterstock

Our appreciation of those dedicated health workers extends well beyond taking to our doorsteps in a moment of collective applause.

And as the fight against Covid stepped up, so too did the challenges for our healthcare system.

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Today new figures lay bare the impact that the crisis has had on the city’s health services.

The number of suspected cancer patients being seen in hospital within two weeks of a GP referral has fallen to a record low and there is a significant backlog in routine diagnostic testing.

Julian Hartley, chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, said the response remains proactive and creative to tackle the “long shadow” Covid continues to cast.

And as Leeds teeters on the brink of a lockdown and a potential second surge of the virus, nobody should underestimate the dedication and hard work of those health workers who continue to battle on with their lifesaving work.

A message from the Editor:

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