To wish schools would realise there are many NHS roles that are critical to the covid 19 response.

[custardcream1000]

I just need to get this off my chest. So many NHS workers are being told they are not critical workers by schools because they are not on the frontline, despite working in roles or on projects that are part of the covid 19 response, and having letters from the NHS stating that they are key workers. This not only shows a level of ignorance about how the NHS works but it is like a kick in the teeth when we are all working so hard as a team to provide the best care and outcomes for people during this difficult time.

It would be like me saying schools are going to get thousands of extra very vulnerable children that require 1 on 1 support but only teachers are critical to helping schools deal with this unprecedented change. That we are only going to support the teachers as they can deal with it all by themselves. The head, the cleaners, the admin staff, the dinner ladies etc, none of them are critical to supporting you and the pupils deal with the change. Oh and by the way you'll only have half your teaching staff available, but they are the only ones that are needed to respond to this.

I just wish that schools would consider the implication of picking and choosing which NHS staff you feel are critical to dealing with coronavirus - your decisions will impact on the care we are able to give to you, your family and friends. Do some schools really think frontline staff are managing capacity, ensuring vulnerable people have ReSPECT forms, cleaning wards, making sure there are community beds to make quick discharges, sourcing additional staff and resources etc? Telling NHS staff working behind the scenes or outside the hospital setting they are not key workers is demeaning to a great number of people that are working under immense pressure to deal with this pandemic.

Am I on the front line, no. But I am working on time critical projects that ensure primary care is able to cope with the current challenges and that people in care homes, some of the most vulnerable in our society, can still receive care during this crisis. All NHS staff are needed to be able to overcome the many challenges ahead of us, why are so many schools not able to see this?

Have you used that exact example with the school?

From what I can tell schools are doing the best they can with the limited resources they have available whilst also trying to keep students and staff safe. They can only take so many and still be able to keep social distancing and safe practice.

It’s not an ideal situation for anyone

I haven't heard of this happening in our area. I wonder if it's something your local authority have said?

Our schools is closed now anyway because none of the key workers children needed a space but a school in a nearby town has more key worker children in than our school has in total! It's must be very hard to manage.