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Showing posts from March, 2020

Healthcare Professional Shortage

Pretty much everyone has been affected by the COVID-19 response.  There is debate about whether or not we are prepared to deal with a pandemic.  We have been told to "flatten the curve" and "help healthcare professionals by staying at home." Only "essential employees" should be working; people should only be out and about for groceries, no groups bigger than 5 to 10 people, etc.  There have been clear guidelines.  There have been unclear guidelines.  Hospitals are working to acquire more supplies, worried about what the pandemic could mean for them and the community when it peaks.  Beds, ventilators, isolation PPE.  They want to be prepared for the worst.  Non-essential or elective surgeries are being postponed.  Visitors are being restricted.  Healthcare professionals are having their leave rescinded.  They are being screened before and after shifts.  And, in many places, this is pre-emptive.  In other places, especially with very large populations, t