It is now a year since the UK went into its first lockdown, with citizens told to stay home to protect the NHS from being overwhelmed by the growing cases of Covid-19. 2020-21 was an exceptional year for health and social care staff across Humber, Coast and Vale.
Nigel Wells, GP and Clinical Lead for Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership spoke about his experiences of the past year and his views on the impact on the wider NHS, as well as what he looks forward to in the coming months.
How do you think Covid-19 will impact the NHS in 2021 and beyond?
The NHS needs to move faster to detect early disease and illness in our communities. We need to work with all to understand why some in our society are unable to come forward and seek help and advice. Our biggest issue in the short term will be restoration of services and helping those patients that are waiting for treatment.
What do you think we have learned from the NHS’s response to the pandemic?
We have learned that the NHS has truly shown what its core purpose is and what it can do. Look at how it can mobilise to treat, screen and vaccinate the population across all varied geographies.
Has 2020 changed the way you work. If so, how?
My clinical days are mostly phone based and we have embraced more technology to enable better clinical working and easier access for our patients.
What excites you about the coming year?
The opportunity to scrap the inefficiencies of the past and truly build an integrated health and care service.
What are you determined to do less of, professionally, than you did in 2020?
Back to back meetings; I do believe they were productive and necessary in the early days but sometimes you need time to think things through!
What do you think you’ll do more of in 2021 than ever before – when restrictions are no longer in place?
Walking in the hills with the family and the dogs, seeing friends and family and most importantly being thankful that we have survived this year; remembering those that have not been so fortunate.
Which activity or destination are you most keen to do or visit later in 2021 and why?
Our families live in Northumberland and Northern Ireland; I am keen to get there as soon as possible.