Interview with NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens

The transcript discusses the challenges faced by the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the significant pressure on healthcare services and the response to manage both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. It emphasizes the importance of routine care and encourages individuals to seek medical attention for serious health concerns. The progress of the vaccination rollout is detailed, noting that a significant portion of high-risk individuals have received their first dose. The discussion also covers the criteria for lifting lockdown measures, including the need for reduced infection rates and hospital pressures.

What has been the most challenging year in the history of the NHS?

• The year of the Brexit vote

• The year of the COVID-19 pandemic

• The year of the financial crisis

• The year of the Olympic Games

How many non-coronavirus patients were looked after for every coronavirus patient in hospitals?

• Two or three

• One

• None

• Four or five

What should individuals do if they have health concerns like a lump or chest pain?

• Come forward to get it checked out

• Ignore it

• Consult a pharmacist

• Wait until the pandemic is over

How many COVID-19 vaccinations had been given in England over 10 weeks?

• 10 million

• 20 million

• 12.5 million

• 5 million

What needs to happen before lockdown measures can be lifted?

• The economy must fully recover

• Schools must reopen

• Infection rates must decrease and hospital pressures must ease

• All citizens must be vaccinated