50,000 doctors, nurses and other NHS staff could be sick with Covid by Christmas Day
The British Medical Association is warning that it could have a devastating impact on the ability of the health service to provide even the most urgent care
As Omicron continues to spread, Hospitals on Merseyside are drawing up emergency plans to deal with an expected increase in staff needing to self isolate.
The British Medical Association (BMA) is warning up to 50,000 doctors, nurses and other NHS staff in England could be off sick with Covid by Christmas Day, if the Government fails to introduce any further measures to stop the spread.
The BMA is now calling for the Government to introduce further measures, above and beyond its Booster strategy, to stem the spread of the virus – including reducing levels of social contact.
"NHS brutally exposed to surging cases"
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said: “After almost two years into the pandemic, no one wants to introduce further measures limiting what people are able to do, especially at this time of year, but these stark figures on levels of NHS staff absence show the devastating consequences of what could happen if the virus is left to continue spreading at the current rate.
“The reality is that MPs have broken up for Christmas leaving the NHS brutally exposed to suffer the consequences of surging case rates and without the restrictions needed to bring these under control.
“We’re already seeing services being affected by staff absences, and these estimates show it could get far, far worse. Without enough staff, appointments and treatments will need to be cancelled or postponed, and waits for care in both GP surgeries and hospitals, will rise even further, compromising the level of care remaining staff can offer. This is not to mention the impact it could have on the NHS’s capacity to deliver the Booster programme itself."
The BMA are calling for the re-introduction of the two-metre social distancing rule as well as large indoor gatherings being cancelled.
Dr Nagpaul has also said that there should be clearer messaging to take a lateral flow tests before mixing, in addition to mask-wearing, distancing and ensuring adequate ventilation for gatherings.
"Trying to make sure we've got sufficient staff is one of our main areas of focus"
Dr Nikki Stevenson, Medical Director at Arrowe Park, Wirral, says that they're constantly reviewing the situation.
"Staffing is our biggest worry", said Dr Stevenson.
"Trying to make sure we've got sufficient staff is one of our main areas of focus so keeping an eye on how Omicron develops in the region, we've got escalation plans in place.
"We are reviewing constantly who needs to be seen and in what order and acknowledging the strain that puts on people who are waiting.
"Escalation plans are If we need to create more covid capacity or stop more non-routine work and how can we redeploy staff to make sure patients who require acute care can still be cared for".
What are the current restrictions?
Mask wearing in shops
From Tuesday, face coverings will be mandatory in shops in England. Regardless of vaccination status, those who do not wear a mask in retail establishments - other than those who are exempt for medical purposes - will be asked to leave.
Mask wearing on public transport
While travel across the country remains permitted, face masks will also be made compulsory on public transport in England. This includes buses, trams, trains and taxis. People with medical and respiratory exemptions will not be included in these restrictions.
Students and teachers advised to wear masks
Face coverings are also "strongly advised" to be worn for students in year 7 and above in communal areas unless they are exempt. According to the Department of Education, this is to make sure they can "continue to benefit from classroom teaching".
University students encouraged to wear masks
Department for Education guidance also states that face coverings should be worn by university students and staff in communal spaces and corridors. They have also encouraged that staff and students to do lateral flow tests twice weekly.
Mask wearing in pubs as well?
As of yet, it isn't mandatory to wear a face-covering in pubs and restaurants in England. It comes as Health Minister Edward Argar explained why wearing a mask in a pub or restaurant is difficult. He said people standing at the bar are often there for a short time and will "sip a drink on their way back to a table, where they'll be seated".