Marie Curie respond to health leaders call for review of UK's preparedness ahead of possible second virus wave

 

Marie Curie respond to the call from health leaders for a rapid review of the UK's preparedness for the 'real risk' of a possible second wave of coronavirus.

Julie Pearce, Marie Curie chief nurse and executive director of quality and caring services said:

“We believe it’s important to evaluate on what everyone has learnt from this experience and agree that a rapid review is an important course of action. We need to be honest about what could be improved and work together to ensure we are better prepared in the event of a second wave, which is a real risk.

 

“A real concern is that any second wave could coincide with a surge of cases due to delayed and postponed treatments for cancer patients and others with advanced progressive life limiting diseases, and seasonal influenza. Therefore, ensuring the health and social care sector is prepared for this is of great importance.

 

“We also need to remember the frontline staff in all of this and it is key that we continue to provide emotional resilience and support for them. They have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and we need to give them the confidence that, in the event of a second wave, they will have everything they need, including a consistent supply of PPE, to do their jobs safely and not cause additional stress.”