NHS Providers on coronavirus (08.04.20)

08 April 2020

First Nightingale hospital taking patients – an extraordinary achievement

The deputy chief executive of NHS Providers Saffron Cordery said:

"This is an extraordinary achievement given the short space of time in which the hospital has been developed.

"We look forward to the creation of similar centres across the country.

"The extra capacity these new hospitals bring is greatly welcomed by NHS trusts during this extremely challenging time."


 

New mental health hotline for NHS staff extremely welcome

The deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

 

"NHS staff are dealing with physically and emotionally challenging situations round the clock to ensure that patients seriously ill with COVID-19 and other conditions get the care they need.

"That's why the creation of the new hotline for mental health support and advice for staff is extremely welcome.

"This new programme complements local schemes and well established support systems set up by trusts, which are tailored to meet the needs of their staff.

"It is so important that all staff who are working in such incredibly difficult circumstances are given every support. This includes those staff working across a wide variety of locations beyond the immediate NHS, including hospices, in end of life care, for charities, and in social care settings."


Securing personal protective equipment remains a priority for the whole NHS

The deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

 

"We know from our daily dialogue with trust leaders that it’s an absolute priority to ensure staff have confidence in the equipment they are working with, to keep them safe as they treat and care for patients.


"We also know that despite real progress in distribution, there are continuing concerns, for example with regard to gowns.

"It's vital these are addressed as quickly as possible wherever they arise – be it in hospitals, mental health, community or ambulance settings – or indeed in other areas such as hospices and social care where we are aware of continuing difficulties."