ISRRT_COVID-19_book

layer and layer of documentation, consultation and discussion which can take months and
months for the end product to materialise. Time is one thing we did not have during the
pandemic so it was crucial to have the right people with the right skill mix involved in the
pathways and processes from the very start. I think this was a success of the pandemic and
we must continue this positive consequence of all the collective work that has been delivered
and continues to be delivered in these very pressured times. No decision was made that
negatively impacted on patient care from an imaging perspective and patient safety was
maintained at all times.
Already established adequate skill mix and well established structures within the clinical and
management teams with clear boundaries of responsibilities has been beneficial throughout
the pandemic in assisting with the day to day operational planning. This helped with time
management and clear delegation of tasks. Daily management huddles were instrumental in
ensuring clear communication of daily changes with all staff members in sharing relevant and
most up-to-date information. Due to the success of these huddles they are still being used 3
days every week as a method of providing a forum of communication.
Another positive to emerge, but one that is not surprising, is the teamwork and comradery
with countless stories of self-sacrifice which drives the central cog of the NHS. Without this
we would not have succeeded in getting to the position we are in today. I think everybody
that has worked clinically face to face with COVID-19 patients have felt a mixture of emotions
from fear, anxiety, uncertainty, anger, frustration, accomplishment, pride, personal
resilience, exhaustion and the feeling of being totally overwhelmed. It is no wonder that NHS
staff are feeling the effects of the pandemic now not only from a physical impact but
emotionally, mentally and psychologically. We must continue to support all staff on this
personal and professional road to recovery if we are to have a workforce that is resilient and
receptive to the next challenge.
From a personal point of view my positives are I have improved my cooking and baking skills
and now feel I have a varied culinary repertoire. I have explored the nature trails locally and
realised how many beautiful walks I have been living near for so many years and have never
appreciated. I have appreciated my family’s company and doing traditional things like jig saws
and board games. I also tried to improve my barbering skills as I had to cut my husband’s and
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