Spalding-area MP Sir John Hayes pledges to work with British Heart Foundation to boost the NHS

MP Sir John Hayes has met with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to discuss the need for urgent action to address the Covid-19 pandemic’s devastating impact on heart care.

A new report from the BHF has estimated that 3,716 people in Lincolnshire could be waiting for life saving heart diagnosis and treatment – 16.9 per cent higher than the waiting list before the pandemic.

Sir John heard that the BHF is calling for Government to take significant action to reduce the heart care backlog and build a stronger NHS for the future. The charity argues that this must include a clear plan for cardiovascular services and rapid and substantial long-term investment to build more capacity into NHS England.

The BHF warns that without this intervention, thousands more people could die from heart and circulatory diseases.

Sir John said: “It was eye-opening to speak with the BHF about the significant disruption to vital heart care during the pandemic and what will be needed to urgently address this growing backlog.

“I agree that urgent action is needed to end the untold heartbreak now. A clear plan, alongside significant and ongoing investment, is vital to build capacity back into the health service and relieve the pressure on overstretched health workers. I pledge to work with the BHF to ensure this is a priority for the Government.”