The Government has moved into phase two, the ‘delay’ phase of its fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and has this week issued a statement that people should, where possible, enter a period of self-isolation. With latest reported figures of 11,658 confirmed cases in the UK and 578 deaths* – it’s clear there is an…

The Covid-19 crisis is likely to contribute to a sea-change in the nature of GP consultations – with video becoming increasingly common, according to researchers. Video consultations were already popular with patients who used them – but clinicians had more mixed views, according to an analysis conducted by Warwick University. Following the crisis, phone consultations…

Practice staff have gone shopping in DIY stores amid continuing shortages of protective equipment, the government has been warned. The British Medical Association yesterday led the continued outpouring of concern from doctors about the inadequacy of protective equipment. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sought to reassure the profession, speaking in the House of Commons yesterday. BMA…

The government has promised “millions” of items of personal protective equipment following days of complaints from doctors about shortages and inadequacies. Army units are to be deployed this week to get supplies to hospitals and practices, ensuring supplies of FFP3 masks, the government said. It also opened a 24-hour hotline to enable NHS organisations to…

New government powers will bring millions of volunteers into the health and care system, the government has announced – amid continuing doubts about the protection being offered to doctors. Details of the plans for health care emerged yesterday – but many doctors complained about the quality of protective equipment and the lack of virus testing…

GP leaders have welcomed news of the suspension of routine inspections during the Covid-19 crisis. The Care Quality Commission said it would be concentrating its efforts on supporting providers to keep patients and staff safe. Chief executive Ian Trenholm said: “It may still be necessary to use our inspection powers in a very small number…

The countries of the UK have begun suspending GP red tape to free up staff to deal with the developing Covid19 outbreak. In Northern Ireland the quality and outcomes framework was suspended. In Wales the government announced it would be relaxing contract and monitoring arrangements together with some targets. It also announced plans to ensure…