Reflections on Covid Response

Short piece outlining my reflections on the response to Covid in my part of the NHS. I'm using three good questions designed to stimulate thinking and prompt a response.

1) What has changed for me?

• Big leap into a very different role through secondment; a stretch that has been a lesson. Learned new knowledge. Honed some skills.
• Experienced a disconnection from old team mates/colleagues/friends. Disconnection is both physical (i.e. not in the office) and professional (we are all off doing different things). Realised their importance to me.
• Gained insight into the relationships between the Service (i.e. providers), the regional teams (NHSI/E, HEE, LA) and the centre (NHSE/I, Govt etc.).

2) What has been powerful/important to me?

• Even when under immense pressure or with feelings of frustration there has been collaboration, support, respect etc. among teams. Good leadership values on display.
• A keen focus by all on doing the right thing by the public, patients and staff and going extra mile to achieve this.
• More speed in decision making and action than I’ve seen in NHS before.
• Less concern about artificial barriers.

3) What can we learn and take forward from this?

• The relationship between the centre and the regions is key and may be changing – where and how can the most value be added?
• Better use of digital technology to enable staff and new ways of working.
• We must learn lessons as to how staff have been treated; e.g. PPE. Particularly if certain groups have been worse off through this period.