Risk reduction framework: COVID-19
Risk factors for incidence and severity of COVID-19 have been identified and include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, age >70, pregnancy and more recently a disproportionately high death rate has been highlighted in the black Asian minority ethnic community (BAME). It is not clear if this is an independent risk factor but an excess death rate has been highlighted in the health care workers who were on the front line and have sadly succumbed to this illness[1]. We would like to draw your attention to this risk reduction framework for NHS staff, produced by an independent group of experts and supported by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine and encourage departments to consider using it in planning utilisation of their workforce for any second wave.
Association members might also be interested in this month’s issue of Anaesthesia News, which focuses on the ageing anaesthetist and the benefits they bring to our departments.
Every NHS Trust in England, has received a letter from Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive and Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Operating Officer, highlighting emerging evidence being reviewed by Public Health England which indicates that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Each trust has been asked to risk assess their staff and ensure that all health care staff including the BAME group are able to share their anxieties and concerns with their line manager.
The Association of Anaesthetists believes that conversations with our clinical managers around reducing risk of COVID-19 infection for anaesthetists are necessary to build healthier and more resilient departments during this time of immense change.
1.Cook, T., E. Kursumovic, and S. Lennane, Exclusive: deaths of NHS staff from covid-19 analysed. Available here.