- Podcast
- 26/05/2020
- UK
COVID-19: The 'New Normal' and How to Get There: The Paediatric and Training Perspectives
Description
The final episode of the podcast series titled "COVID-19: The New Normal and How to Get There" features host Andrew Duckworth and special guest Mr. Alastair Murray, chair of the Scottish Committee for Orthopedics and Trauma (SCOT). In this episode, they discuss the ongoing challenges and transformations occurring in orthopedic and trauma surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew outlines the aim of the podcast series to reflect on the pandemic's impact on healthcare, especially in orthopedics, and share insights on moving forward post-lockdown.
Alastair shares his experiences as chair during the past few months, detailing how the orthopedic teams responded to the crisis, the challenges faced with guidance and hospital reorganization, and the significant drop in trauma activity during peak lockdown periods.
The conversation flows into the implications for pediatric orthopedic care, highlighting similarities with adult practices and the cessation of elective surgeries. Alastair also addresses the rise in concerns regarding child neglect and non-accidental injuries during lockdown, emphasizing the importance of communication between healthcare providers and families.
Both speakers brainstorm innovative solutions for patient interaction through remote consultations, aiming to balance safety and accessibility for vulnerable populations. They emphasize the commendable response of medical trainees amid disruptions in their training, acknowledging the long-lasting effects on their education.
Finally, they discuss the anticipated timeline for restoring services and the importance of ensuring patient confidence as healthcare systems adapt to the new normal. The episode concludes with a reminder to respect the tireless efforts of healthcare workers worldwide during this pandemic.