Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he made of the potential effect of increased covid-19 infections on hospital waiting lists for (a) surgery and (b) appointments after restrictions are lifted on 19 July 2021.

We have made no formal assessment. However, individual National Health Service trusts and integrated care systems are carrying out local assessments.

The Department continues to support the NHS to increase elective activity and tackle waiting lists, including procedures, surgery and outpatient appointments. This includes £1 billion funding to increase activity levels, while maintaining patient and staff safety.