Trusts received an unpleasant surprise last Friday when they were told they must do more elective procedures to receive money from the national £1bn ‘elective recovery fund’.

The demand for more activity comes with pressure on providers rising as covid levels soar. We discuss how local systems feel the move has left their elective recovery plans in tatters and the politics behind the row.

Also, trusts in the north east have told staff contacted by the covid app they do not need to self-isolate. Will this become a countrywide trend considering NHS staff shortages?