The Society has been shortlisted for its work in supporting its membership and the respiratory workforce at large with rapid guidance and information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the acute stages of the pandemic in the UK (March-May), around 85% of COVID patients admitted into hospital were in the care of the NHS respiratory workforce. To support them and the respiratory workforce in caring for those with COVID-19, the Society initiated a programme of rapid guidance development for those working across secondary care in March 2020, which then continued throughout what became known as the first wave and beyond.
The range of guidance included advice on, how to safely adapt techniques, such as non-invasive ventilation, to this new cohort of patients, protocols to prevent spread of the infection, standards for the follow up of patients at home and after leaving hospital, how to deliver interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation to patients during the pandemic, and how to manage patients having pre-existing respiratory conditions suffering from COVID-19.
This was possible through the help of a number of small and agile groups of members, who lent us their time and specific expertise to produce concise guidance documents covering a range of topics.
Sally Welham, BTS Chief Executive, commented:
“Many from within our membership responded to our calls to contribute to the development of guidance with enthusiasm and commitment, during one of the most challenging times for the clinical community and despite their considerably increased workload.
“The inclusion of BTS as a finalist for this award would not have been possible without our membership, and any honour or commendation that might come from this award belongs to them.“
The other finalists and our entry to the awards can be found at https://www.associationexcellenceawards.co.uk/finalists-2021/
London, London WC1N 2PL
05/10/2023 15:03:44
British Thoracic Society
