Society for Endocrinology - a world-leading authority on hormones

Planning & recommendations for COVID-19 second wave

We believe that it is paramount that we continue providing specialty endocrine services in current and future COVID-19 waves for our patients’ safety.

During any future COVID-19 wave there will be variable impact on specialty services across the country. This will depend on local COVID-19 numbers, staff redeployment to general medicine, staff sickness and the need for individuals to shield, quarantine or self-isolate. The variability in services will mean departments will need to tailor their future working to their region’s scenario.

The Future of Endocrinology working group have compiled COVID-19 second wave planning recommendations, so that they may be considered for local implementation.  

Key recommendations:

  • Endocrine departmental capacity should be left at a minimum of 25% - higher wherever possible.
  • Clearly defined roles for specific team members, including nurses, shielding colleagues and registrars.
  • Maintaining speciality training for endocrine trainees.
  • Integrating working between primary, secondary and tertiary care as much as possible with shared systems.
  • Ensuring the primary, secondary and tertiary care centres within a region understand referral routes for patients.
  • Identifying patients for whom virtual consultations are appropriate long term.
  • Reviewing phlebotomy services, MDTs, work load priorities and using available resources 

 

Download full recommendations

 

Please send any further ideas of clinical service innovations and efficiencies that you are willing to share, to [email protected].