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We have been trying to get access to hospitals from the start but bosses/ press teams constantly rebuff. NHS staff - my DMs are open https://twitter.com/drbenwhite/status/1343641067015565312
As discussed with @ShelaghFogarty, this went further than expected (with a few of you telling me how to do my job) so a few thoughts.
1/Reporting is rightly restricted in hospitals, we can't just 'walk in,' and I don't think harassing uncooperative bosses would get us very far.
1/Reporting is rightly restricted in hospitals, we can't just 'walk in,' and I don't think harassing uncooperative bosses would get us very far.
2/ I do understand bosses' position. There are infection risks, you have to respect the patients and not distract staff. But properly showing the public what's going on is so important. If we see it, we understand it, and can make more informed decisions about our behaviour.
3/ I also think a kind of fatigue has settled in, after a while numbers about cases and hospitalisations become meaningless - for those lucky enough to not have been badly affected. Seeing what's really happening is important.
4/ And no. We're not being denied access to hospitals because of a 'cover up.' Move along please.
5/ Listen to @LBC right now if you want to hear what’s really going on directly from those on the front line of the health service. The first call from a brilliant north London doctor was incredible radio