Elective procedures 'back to normal' at DHSC

Health minister signals return to pre-Covid-19 levels

The health minister David Ashford says elective procedures at Noble's Hospital are now functioning as they were before the pandemic.

It's after changes to the department's services during Covid-19.

The DHSC has completed its winter planning, including how it will provide 'protective capacity'.

That means it's prepared to balance elective surgery, be ready for Covid-19 response, and also "deal with the usual increased pressures on services" in winter.