COVID’s impact on front-line workers

What is the psychological effect of the pandemic on front-line workers? ‘When the clapping stops’ is the title of Northern and Yorkshire Division’s Spring Conference on 1 April.

Going behind the scenes of the pandemic, the online conference will discuss the crucial topic of the psychological impact of COVID-19 on front-line workers and understanding of the nature of trauma experienced by acute healthcare workers.

This is a chance to hear the first-hand accounts of front-line workers and the pressures they have felt during the pandemic in their respective areas, as well as personal accounts of service users who have lost love ones due to the virus.

We will be joined by RCPsych President Adrian James, who will reflect on the College’s work during the pandemic and how it will continue to support its members going forward.

We will also be hearing from Dr Richard Cree, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, who will share his experience of working in an increasingly busy Intensive Care Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Sarah Hopper, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Dr Vicky Jervis, Professional Lead for Psychology, will focus on the wellbeing needs of frontline health care staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as offering some personal reflections on being part of a collaboration between two neighbouring NHS trusts to support frontline staff throughout this time.

GP Speciality Trainee Year 2, Dr Rachel Bloomfield, will give a talk on the importance of balancing patient care and clinical training during the pandemic. Dr Bloomfield will share a trainee’s experience of the challenges of meeting training needs whilst providing patient care during a pandemic.

Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from Northern and Yorkshire Division Patient Representative, Hayley Hall, who will share her personal perspective on a surreal bereavement and personal loss during the pandemic.

This conference is a special time to reflect on the work carried out by frontline workers during the pandemic, and how Psychiatrists can support these workers in the months to follow. Available to watch on-demand after the event, please do book your place now.

For more information, please contact Michael Jamieson.

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