The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow have written to The Times (article here) regarding COVID-19 and winter pressures. The letter can be read below:
The number of patients with COVID-19 being admitted to Scottish hospitals continues to increase as other hospital services reopen, placing huge pressures on an already exhausted workforce. At the start of this pandemic the NHS pulled together to face these critical challenges. We need a similar effort ahead before winter.
We welcome new plans to reduce community transmission, and the public should follow this guidance to protect themselves and others.
We now need to agree a strategy for managing the competing pressures of treating patients with COVID-19, and those without COVID-19 who need urgent care or elective work. Health boards must be given flexibility to plan the right local balance.
An improved testing strategy for NHS staff is also vital, so we can continue to provide services as close to capacity as possible.
These actions are essential if we’re to ensure that our NHS will effectively weather the storms ahead.
Signed
Professor Michael Griffin OBE, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Professor Angela Thomas OBE, Acting President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Professor Jackie Taylor, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow