You may not even have the time to read this!

I’m sure all practices have been looking at the risks that general practice staff are facing and great emphasis has been placed on using PPE and social distancing. But, as you know, there are general practice workers already facing patients with symptoms and workers who are staying at home because they have symptoms or have family members with symptoms.

Risk of falling over?

What is the risk of your practice ‘falling over’ to the point where providing any form of service, even just by telephone or online, is impossible? The main problem is whether you have the time to check and plan now, when faced with so many problems.

Time to ask questions 

When I joined the health service in my youth, I recall filling in health questionnaires and even having a medical. Alas, these days I wonder how much we know about our staff and how much they’re prepared to tell us. Of course, you might be new to the job and still getting used to everyone’s names. Rightly so, those working with you might be reluctant to reveal their health status. They might not want to discuss a cancer diagnosis. Alternatively, you might be the only person who knows the full story about a recent hospitalisation or a long-standing health problem that might affect a member of staff’s ability to work or the duties they can perform. These are often personal and sensitive matters and I recall having to ‘keep mum’ on many occasions.

Staffing levels at risk

We’re blitzed with information about the risk of catching COVID-19. The virus might devastate our staffing levels over the next few weeks. One doctor has been telling me of being exposed to the virus along with another staff member. One of the doctors in the practice is now off with symptoms and is self-isolating for two weeks. Another colleague tells me that 20 out of 40 staff are absent.

Keep it confidential 

Now you have an opportunity, particularly if you’re new to the job, to make a confidential enquiry about the personal health status of the staff working in your practice and about their relevant family circumstances. A simple questionnaire might do the trick, which, with their consent, you could share with their employer – perhaps the senior partner or partner responsible for staffing.

Questionnaire

What might the questionnaire cover? Have a look at the list published by NHS England.

You might ask your staff whether they have responsibilities as carers or for looking after young children. Some of your staff may have had a recent operation, which you might not be aware of. They may be an asthmatic or diabetic. They might suffer from epilepsy. Other staff may need to know how to cope with any emergency episode in relation to these staff, as the nominated supporter at work may be off sick. You could also take this opportunity to ensure that your staff contact list is up to date as well as having a next-of-kin contact list. Frightening times.

Getting the message home

Victoria Derbyshire has just said we’ve all had a text from the government and, lo and behold, there it is on my phone. I’m instructed not to go out. You’re all doing a great job, but remember that your health and safety is paramount.

Author: Robert Campbell