Dear …..,

I am concerned about the airborne spread of Covid in our work environment, especially now it is clear that the new Omicron variant is very easily transmitted through the air.

I would like to make you aware of the new updated guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, released on 21st December 2021. 

My interpretation of the guidance is that employers should make a full assessment of ventilation and air filtration in every clinical area. If adequate air quality cannot be assured, or for those who can’t keep 2m distance for patients, then PPE of a grade appropriate for airborne hazards should be provided. Local prevalence of respiratory pathogens must be taken into account within risk assessments. Currently there is a high risk that any patient or member of the public could be carrying Covid, regardless of their presenting symptoms, so airborne mitigation measures would be appropriate in all indoor spaces where patients or staff mix.

This would be consistent with the evidence that FFP3 masks reduce Covid infection in health care workers.

And with the evidence that air filters in clinical areas reduce airborne viral load.

These interventions are immediately necessary in order to fulfil legal obligations under HSE Health and Safety at Work legislation.

Financially, although some cost may be incurred in order to make these interventions, this would be more than compensated for by the savings in sick pay for staff infected at work and needing to self-isolate.

As we know, Covid is most infective just before, and around the time that symptoms develop. Daily lateral flow testing reduces the risk of someone unknowingly carrying Covid, but has a significant false-negative rate. By protecting our staff from infection, we will also be adding an extra layer of protection for patients, preventing them for getting hospital-acquired Covid.

Although not covered by this guidance, acting to reduce airborne viral load, and offering those patients who are able to wear them the option of more protective masks, would also reduce the risk to patients of hospital-acquired infection.

I would be grateful if you could implement the new guidance and evidence urgently to protect all staff and help us continue to provide excellent patient care in safety.

Yours sincerely

The pandemic has demonstrated how vital the contribution of international staff is for the NHS. 1 in 7 healthcare workers is from overseas. They have carried out their jobs in extremely difficult conditions, risking their lives during this crisis despite being on temporary visas. The government made a promise that bereaved families would get permanent residency status if these workers were to die due to COVID-19. Such a bereavement scheme is hurtful for the overseas workers who have fought so bravely. These workers bring highly specialised and sought after experience in addition to contributing to our economy through their taxes, investment in property etc.Currently indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is granted to the families of healthcare workers if they die. This sends a message that these heroic people only deserve recognition in the event of their dying in service, which is simply not in keeping the British Values of Fairness. These heroes deserve the right to call the UK their home and should not have to die to have this recognised. The French have granted citizenship to key workers – the UK cannot be seen to lag behind! On 5th March 2021 we are set to celebrate NHS Overseas Workers to recognise the efforts of ALL our international staff –  which is not limited to doctors and nurses but includes huge numbers of vital clinical, laboratory, clerical and estates staff. We invite Sunday Times readers to join us in acknowledging this extraordinary group of people.

Dr Pushpo Hossain, Doctors’ Association UK

As featured in The Sunday Times

Find out more about Overseas NHS Workers Day and how you can get involved here

Dr Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland replied here:

In December, The Doctors’ Association UK wrote to the Home Secretary outlining concerns that delays in providing biometric residence permits are preventing frontline doctors from working in our NHS.

DAUK made the following urgent recommendations: 

1.Institution of a fast-track system to ensure BRPs are issued without delay for all approved visas for International Medical Graduates to ensure the NHS has the highest number of trained personnel on the frontline during the escalating pandemic

2. The refund of the IHS to all eligible NHS staff to be issued without delay as promised by the government.

Priti Patel MP responded to our letter and her reply can be seen below.

Our letter to Matt Hancock today after hearing reports that #NHS staff are being denied the #covidvaccine because they don’t have an NHS number. 

#ProtectTheFrontline

“The Doctors’ Association UK is extremely concerned regarding an issue that is preventing NHS staff being vaccinated over a bureaucratic obstacle – placing the hospital response to the COVID-19 pandemic at risk and also causing NHS trusts to exploit foreign labour.

As we are sure you are aware, a large number of NHS trusts are requiring the use of an NHS number for staff to be vaccinated. There are a significant number of staff who do not have this, resulting in frontline staff from countries all around the world who have been instrumental in combating the pandemic being denied the vaccine.

This is unconscionable and amoral and must be rectified with immediate effect. Failure to do so spits in the faces of colleagues who have demonstrated unswerving commitment to the health of the British public and disrespects the memory of our deceased colleagues from foreign countries.”

Full letter in screenshots above