Fort GP says of COVID-19: ‘It is vital we learn lessons’
Dr John Wallace, pictured, said the appreciation and messages of good will from many sectors of the local community have been much appreciated.
apotentially fatal disease? JW: ‘Actually this is something I usually rarely think of but one Sunday evening at the start of this pandemic that realisation suddenly crossed my mind.
‘I don’t consciously think on a day-to-day basis that I am at hugely high risk from doing my job in itself but the risk of contracting coronavirus applies to everyone. In some ways it can be helpful to remind ourselves of our mortality as it can help focus the mind on what is important in life.’
LT: What have the weekly Thursday evening nationwide ‘clapping events’ meant to you and your colleagues?
JW: ‘The appreciation and messages of good will from many sectors of the local community have been much appreciated and helped us continue in what have been challenging times.’ LT: What lessons will we have to learn from the handling of this pandemic?
JW: ‘It is vital we do learn lessons. Times of international emergency usually do lead to innovations and progress and there will be things that are never the same again after this. We need to do this compassionately. There are things we need to not lose forever contact with patients and each other is one of those things.
‘At the same time, however, I think this will lead us to be more comfortable in using technology such as video consulting when appropriate.’