Surging demand following the reopening of schools has generated a backlog of 185,000 tests, just as the pace of infections threatens to explode. “We are sleepwalking into a second surge of the pandemic without really having learned the lessons from the first,” said Dr. Rinesh Parmar, Chairman of the Doctors’ Association UK
DAUK's Dr Zainab Najim on the troubles of obtaining a COVID test as an essential worker
Trainee GP, Dr Najim and her doctor husband who have symptoms have been isolated for two days trying to get a test. And so far her husband's been told by his hospital there's no priority test for him.
'We have contacted occupational health, but they can't take calls. We've left an email and their response has been that they are really, really overstretched at the moment and to try the government service in the first instance. And in the meantime, they are trying to work through the backlog.'
DAUK President Dr Samantha Batt-Rawden spoke to RTUK about our survey on doctors wanting to leave the NHS
"Just a few months ago, doctors and nurses were being called NHS heroes. There was clapping every week. And all of a sudden all of that has just seemingly been forgotten. And I think many doctors and nurses feel very abandoned by the government's decision."
Doctors and healthcare staff across the NHS have been working flat out during the pandemic to keep patients safe. It is absolutely vital that over the weekend and the coming weeks that people not only follow the social distancing guidance but they minimise the impact on A&E departments. As pubs re-open on 4th July we would call on people to exercise caution and moderation so that they do not suffer the ill effects of excess alcohol consumption.
Dr Dominic Pimenta has decided to resign because he fears that the behaviour of Boris Johnson’s chief adviser could help trigger a second wave of coronavirus and is angered by the government’s handling of the pandemic.
Dr Samantha Batt-Rawden, the president of the Doctors’ Association UK, said: “It is a tragedy to lose such a dedicated doctor from the NHS. Dr Pimenta’s reasons for quitting will no doubt resonate with the medical profession. Many doctors have been appalled at the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic as the crisis has unfolded.
The Doctors’ Association UK has expressed alarm that a crucial analysis of the impact of the viral pandemic on ethnic minorities has been suppressed.
The Doctors' Association UK Chair says urgent action is required to protect frontline BAME staff.