In times of crisis we need to maintain clarity & control. Reflecting on conversations this week where therapists are being asked to work in roles they normally don’t
It really is all hands on deck for patient care esp for those critically unwell in ED, Respiratory wards & ICU 1/7

Therapists have unique skill sets that others don’t, that’s what makes us so valuable in the multidisciplinary team. Our contribution to respiratory care in weaning, chest physio, nutrition, swallowing, communication, cognition, positioning & rehab is vital for rapid recovery 2/7

It’s important when thinking of redeploying staff we take into consideration these unique skills & how they can best be utilised for patient care in other areas eg ICU/Respiratory wards/Step down areas/Community settings

It’s also impt to think about transferable skills 3/7

My advice to @WeAHPs who are being asked to be redeployed & work in non therapy roles is to understand the added value of where someone is moved to

If they have respiratory & transferable skills that can be used as mentioned above please move into those areas as a therapist 4/7

Patient care always takes priority & if that isn’t working as a therapist then it should be supporting our nursing colleagues who are stretched beyond belief or supporting existing respiratory therapy teams, discharge teams, community teams & of course vital support services 5/7

Sometimes managers don’t know our role/value during crisis & therefore make decisions as they are fire-fighting under so much pressure

Part of our responsibility is to be part of the solution, understand where we can help and assist our colleagues & the whole patient pathway 6/7

One model does not fit all. We need to support each other, change & adapt as this pandemic moves. We will get through this wave, like we did the first, by supporting each other as #OneTeam

Please reach out if you need support, I am happy to talk through, plan & can signpost 7/7