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And from what we're all feeling- is a sense of unease as the management make decisions but are not communicating particularly well.
I have a sneaking suspicion that some of the lack of communication is entirely pre-meditated and deliberate. It would be nice to think that informing the general public of contingency plans for worst case scenarios would make them feel reassured. Given the ongoing spate of panic-buying, I'm not sure that such a measured and rational response would be a realistic expectation.
A generic hospital doctor is not a good authority to judge preparedness in their own hospital, let alone the NHS as a whole, it is not their job.
If the doctor was also the lead for pandemic planning, another matter.
FWIW:
I don't think it is possible to be prepared for the worst predicted outcome. I do think the nhs is aware of the likely pressure, and steps have been made to try and withstand that pressure.
From what I do know- pandemic planning has been happening at least since SARS, with local simulations and yearly updated protocols.
And from what we're all feeling- is a sense of unease as the management make decisions but are not communicating particularly well. We all know the next months are going to be hard, very hard. I have previously suggested a frustration that certain things have not moved with enough alacrity early enough, but that time has passed and defeatism is not the solution to any problem.
Whether or not this means we're prepared- I don't know. We go to work, just the same as any day^, and we've had the benefit of forewarning- unlike our Italian and Chinese colleagues.
Signed, A generic hospital doctor.
^ well- those of us who aren't isolated, but just a few more days...