How can we help medical staff when the virus really hits?

[8by8]

Reading the stories from Italy, it’s clear that when the virus really hits the medical staff are going to be horribly overworked and stressed.

I know there’s been talk of volunteers helping the NHS.

But more generally is there anything ordinary non- medical people can do to help the nurses, doctors etc?

So far I’ve come up with

• cancel any appointments for non-urgent stuff
• send takeaways/deliver packaged food and drink to the staff so at least they can eat?
• offer to help any medics we know personally eg with childcare/dropping round meals for them?

Interested to know if these would be useful or if there’s other stuff we could do.

I’m trying to get prepared - mentally and in practical terms.

People need to follow the advice now to the letter, I know people are worried about the government’s response but if:

1. People don’t call 111 unnecessarily
2. Don’t mix when ill and
3. People wash their hands

It really should have an effect.

I think things that apply all the time become more important here:

1. Don't call 999 unless someone is seriously ill or their life is in danger
2. Don't rock up at A&E with ingrowing toenails and toothache - painful though they may be they are not emergencies
3. Accept that minor ailments won't be treated
4. If you have any first aid training, make sure you have the equipment needed and make sure your neighbours know you have skills that can be useful
5. Be kind and if you do come into contact with NHS staff, thank them for what they're doing

That’s a good point about the first aid.

I am adding to my list

• check I have all the equipment and medicines to treat minor injuries and illnesses at home
• Go through my first aid training just in case