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COVID-19 second wave: nurses need to know their employers will protect them

Nursing leaders want assurances on PPE and workforce well-being measures
Nurse dressed in scrubs and face mask slumps and looks exhausted as nurse leaders employers to protect staff ahead of a second wave of covid-19

RCN and QNI say government and employers should now be better prepared to support their staff


Nursing staff are still trying to recover from the first wave of the pandemic,
while bracing for sesond Picture: iStock

Nurses’ physical and mental well-being must be top priorities for their employers as the UK anticipates a second wave of COVID-19, say nursing leaders.

The RCN said organisations need to bear in mind the workforce is still recovering from the initial wave of the pandemic.

The college’s director of nursing, policy and public affairs, Susan Masters, said: ‘Many nursing staff are already exhausted from dealing with the first wave, and we know they are approaching the second wave with much apprehension.’ 


Susan Master, director of nursing,
policy and public affairs at the RCN 

Healthcare worker coronavirus testing continues to be a pressing issue

Ms Masters highlighted the need for fast and easy testing too.

‘It’s vital the government makes it a priority for health and care workers to be able to get tested easily, close to their home or workplace, and the results available quickly,’ she said.

‘This issue is particularly pressing due to major staff shortages across the UK.’ 

‘Nurses need to be confident of getting the best PPE’

Queen’s Nursing Institute chief executive, Crystal Oldman said nurses should have confidence in lessons learned from the first wave.

‘We have the advantage of more time and experience to prepare, in order to protect the nursing workforce and the people in our care,’ she said.


Crystal Oldman, chief executive of
the Queen’s Nursing Institute 

‘It is vital PPE is available to all nurses and healthcare staff, no matter what setting. Community nurses and nurses working in social care need to be confident they are receiving the latest advice and the best equipment.’

Dr Oldman urged nurses in social care settings to use the QNI’s TalktoUs confidential listening service

‘PPE is on order and workforce testing is a priority’

A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson said providing testing and PPE to staff were priorities for the government in England, and 32 billion items of PPE have been ordered.

‘We will prioritise testing and NHS staff are able to access tests through their trust if they have symptoms and when they are asymptomatic if they are at risk,’ they said.


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