As the UK marks National Day of Reflection on the anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown, Dr Susan Crossland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said:
“We know all too well the challenges of the pandemic are still significant, but this day of reflection is an opportunity for us to take a moment out to think about all of those who have lost their lives, bereaved families and also pay tribute to healthcare staff who have worked tirelessly throughout this extremely challenging period.
“As well as our patients, we remember the close colleagues who have passed during the pandemic, particularly those associated with our specialty, and can reflect on the achievements in their careers and how their displays of commitment and dedication have played significant roles in the lives of many medics.
“I also want to take a moment to recognise how staff across acute medicine have really stepped up over the course of the pandemic where we have seen staff provide care normally seen on intensive care units, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation for Covid patients, while also being the first port of call for assessment of Covid patients on arrival at hospitals and all while also caring for non-Covid emergency patients.
“Our staff were often called upon during the first wave to support respiratory and intensive care units and the pressures have never dropped. Therefore I want to send a personal message to the acute medicine family to say thank you to you all for what you have done to get the system through the pandemic so and please take a moment to reflect yourselves on the impact you have had.”