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<\/p>\nBy Dame Clare Marx<\/p>\n
None of us has experience of a pandemic like this. Dealing with coronavirus is the biggest challenge to face the NHS since it was founded. And it\u2019s going to be difficult for us all.<\/p>\n
Doctors will find themselves working at the edge of their comfort zone. Some will confront harrowing situations. There will be difficult decisions to be made. It will be challenging and uncomfortable and, at times, immensely sad.<\/p>\n
Altruistic intent is a fundamental part of the doctor’s credo. We went into medicine to help people and to make things better. As the regulator, the GMC wants to support doctors to do the right thing in these exceptional circumstances.<\/p>\n
Delivering the most appropriate and compassionate care to the greatest number of people is the priority right now. When we reach the other side of this, we will all want to feel we did everything we could have done. That means doing right by our patients, but also, just as importantly, supporting our colleagues.<\/p>\n
Patients and colleagues look to doctors for leadership. We should set an example \u2013 valuing each other, reflecting on mistakes and, when necessary, speaking up when something\u2019s not right. Without this, patient safety can be compromised. That\u2019s why kindness, civility and collaboration are not a distraction from delivering care, they\u2019re an essential part of it. Compassion is what turns technically able doctors into strong leaders. If ever a moment called for strong leaders, it\u2019s this it. Strong leaders listen. They create teams where their colleagues are valued and heard. They recognise there is no monopoly on good ideas and that they don\u2019t have all the answers.<\/p>\n
Being a doctor demands that we go above and beyond to deliver care where it\u2019s needed most. But that doesn\u2019t give us licence to overlook our own wellbeing \u2013 both emotional and physical. If food, sleep and water are neglected, our judgement may be impaired. Although we know this, we often fail to follow our own advice.<\/p>\n
Nurturing ourselves and our teams and taking time to rest and reflect will be critical if we\u2019re to survive and thrive in this crisis. Running on empty will impact on our patients and our colleagues.<\/p>\n
We all know this will be a marathon, not a sprint. To protect our workforce, we must take the time now to support staff and prevent illnesses from exhaustion and moral injury down the line.<\/p>\n
On behalf of the GMC, and as a doctor myself, I am immensely proud of the response of the health service to this crisis. Be proud of what is being achieved and share that pride with your teams. For your skills and commitment, composure and fortitude, the nation is profoundly grateful.<\/p>\n
Thank you.<\/p>\n
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