On 10/04/2020 08:06, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
Broadback explained :
What seems to have been lost is that the lockdown will not decrease
the number of cases. It is simply there to save the NHS from melt down
by spreading the cases over time. Personally I think the eye watering
cost to the economy would have been better spent pouring money into
the NHS.

I know they are doing a pretty good job creating the Nightingales, but
general they cannot simply and instantly magic up hospitals, equipment,
doctors and nurses. They have a lead time, particularly the latter
staff, measured in years. They virus is here - NOW, the need to take
measures is here and NOW. Lockdown is the only way to control it at this
moment.

As well as the extra staff "created" by early graduation for students
and re-enrolment for retired staff, the use of Nightingales makes a
difference by itself. It takes fewer staff to monitor large number of
patients on an "open" ward than it does on modern wards with a number of
separate rooms housing 6, 4 or even as few as 2 beds and "private" rooms.

SteveW