Thank you for contacting me about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people suffering with arthritis. I commend Versus Arthritis for their work to support people suffering with arthritis and to raise awareness of the condition.
I am so grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to stay at home throughout the pandemic. Your efforts have undoubtedly saved lives and enabled our NHS to provide urgent treatment like cancer and emergency care. However, I understand that 4.7 million people in England are now waiting for care, with around 380,000 of those having been waiting more than a year, in addition to people who have not contacted their GP when, in ordinary times they would have reached out for help. I agree that we must act urgently to tackle this problem.
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