The first session of Healthcare Counsel’s Weekly Zoom took place on Wednesday. The sessions provide an open space for providers to share their experience and solutions about Covid. They are held under the Chatham House Rule, so anyone on the call can use the information shared, but must not reveal the identity or affiliation of attendees. On at least one occasion, holding the meeting under the Rule meant that a contributor shared information that they may otherwise have been cautious about disclosing.
The 45-minute session covered common current issues for providers including:
- HSE and CQC notifications
- Difficulties and variation in testing, including high numbers of inconclusive results
- Measures providers are taking to mitigate regulatory risks, and risks of claims
- How to manage staff who are nervous about returning to work
- Workforce issues including how to use agency staff safely
- PPE
- Dates of peaks
The feedback I received after the meeting was that participants found it both helpful and reassuring. For example, in relation to the staff members who are too worried about Covid to return to work, that is a completely novel issue for providers. Talking matters through with other providers facing the same issues can be invaluable.
There was also an acknowledgment of how difficult a period it has been. One participant ended the meeting with an admirably clear message: Stay Safe – Drink Gin. I think everyone can understand where they were coming from.
From this Wednesday, the weekly Zooms will be at 10.30, and are scheduled for 45 minutes. This week’s session will include discussion around training during Covid, and CQC’s Emergency Support Framework. Please email me for the Zoom details: [email protected]. Please also feel free to let me know if there are any ptopics you’d like included in the discussion, as well as any legal issues you’d like me to cover.
