A new survey has revealed thousands of doctors have concerns over the level of pressure on the NHS and its ability to cope with demand in the face of rising Covid-19 patient numbers. 

The survey of almost 8,000 doctors and medical students from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, was conducted in the last week.

Scroll down for the survey's key findings...

Those surveyed implored the public to take steps to avoid the spread of Covid, including mixing with as few people as possible this Christmas, wearing face masks, and avoiding visiting friends and relatives who are vulnerable due to a health condition.

British Medical Association council chair, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, said: "This survey was done ahead of last night’s rule change, but it shows the level of worry felt by so many doctors working in a health service struggling to cope with current levels of ill patients.

"Yesterday’s announcement, while hugely disappointing to the millions of people now having to cancel Christmas plans, affirms that tightening of restrictions is absolutely the right decision and one which will save lives.

"We all wanted to have some semblance of Christmas this year but given these latest developments, particularly with the emergence of this new faster spreading strain, the best thing we can do is stay home to protect ourselves and our loved ones this year."

Key findings

  • 52% of respondents said they had seen a significant increase in the number of Covid cases in the last two weeks.
     
  • 34% said current levels were higher than at the same point during the first wave.
     
  • 33% of respondents said the level of demand for care of patients without Covid is now considerably higher than before the pandemic began.     
     
  • 88% said they felt uneasy that they could not provide the standard of care they wanted during the pandemic.
     
  • 33% said this unease had got worse since October.
     
  • Thousands of doctors said they are not confident of their department or practice’s ability to manage either Covid-related (40%), or non-Covid (51%), demand in the coming weeks.