Plans to help hero medics battle stress as deal agreed on all-island cooperation
SOME doctors and nurses may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder due to the coronavirus pandemic, First Minister Arlene Foster has warned.
She revealed official measures were being considered to help them through mental health problems caused by the deadly impact of the infection.
They could face overcrowded hospital wards and rapidly mounting numbers of fatalities over coming weeks.
Many medics are also frightened about protective equipment supply issues.
Mrs Foster said: “There will be mental health issues, not least for our front line staff, who will have to see things that they probably would never want to see.”
She added that ministers did not condone asking the elderly to sign ‘do not resuscitate’ notices, as the NHS juggles difficult ethical issues about who to ventilate.
“That is wrong and should not be happening,” she said.
Mrs Foster added: “People are dying alone, never mind having the wake for comfort for the family.
“It is a hugely difficult time for everyone. The grieving process has been very badly interrupted.”
Good progress is being made in acquiring more protective equipment for those tackling the coronavirus pandemic, Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill added.
An order of 5.5 million items of clothing began arriving in Belfast on Monday.
Mrs O’neill said: “I have spoken with many front line healthcare workers.
“You have
told me you are frightened. You have told me you are worried about being able to do your job safely. You have told me that you are worried for your families.
“We see you, we hear you, and we are working night and day to make sure you get the protection that you deserve.”
Prospects for a joint order of kit from China placed with the Republic have fallen through.
A formal memorandum of understanding has been devised by the Health Ministers on both sides of the border.
Mrs O’neill added: “While we have two jurisdictions, we are one island and this means it’s sensible that we have common action to combat this deadly virus. The Covid-19 pandemic does not respect borders, so there must be a common approach to action in both jurisdictions on this island.”
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), which has been signed by the two departments of health, focuses on facilitating greater co-operation on messaging, research and public health measures.
Other areas will also be considered including procurement.
It was agreed by Health Minister Robin Swann and his Irish counterpart Simon Harris as well as the two chief medical officers — Dr Tony Holohan and Dr Michael Mcbride — and has the support of both administrations.
Mr Swann said: “We face a common challenge, a challenge that will test us as never before. We will continue to do everything possible to work together for the best possible outcome.”
Mr Harris said there has already been “significant engagement” throughout the pandemic.
“This MOU will ensure timely and responsive communications and decisions in a fast-moving environment; that both administrations will seek to adopt similar approaches, where it is appropriate to do so on the advice of respective chief medical officers,” he said.