The situation we are in is unprecedented. But the backdrop is that 12 years of systematic underfunding, fragmentation and piecemeal privatisation has decimated the NHS and rendered it unable to cope effectively now without stopping elective (non-emergency) work.

Even before covid19, the NHS is often running above 80% capacity all year round (in some weeks above 95%). The system was already at breaking point. We have been desperately trying to tell you about this problem for years. Now, sadly, it is obvious for all to see.

If you would like to contribute to organisations who run campaigns on or write about this issue please join or donate to @keepnhspublic, @We_OwnIt, @openDemocracy and @CHPIthinktank who have track records on comparatively tiny budgets