Health chiefs are urging Boris Johnson to extend Brexit talks by a month to avoid plunging the NHS into chaos as it battles Covid.
The NHS Confederation said leaving with no trade deal in eight days time risked the health of patients as case rates continue to soar.
The warning came as a negotiated Brexit deal looks increasingly unlikely and Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the new variant of coronavirus as being “out of control”.
Health leaders say the NHS faces having to make significant adjustments in a short timespan as new rules, guidance and information will be introduced from January 1 without a deal.