Episode 7: Dhruv Parekh on lessons learned from working in ICU during the COVID19 pandemic.

Dr Dhruv Parekh is a consultant intensivist at University Hospitals Birmingham and a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Birmingham.  In this conversation Dhruv reflects on the experience of working in one of the largest ICUs in Europe during the COVID19 pandemic.  We discuss how preparations were made; the initial energy and excitement; the shock and disbelief at the rapidity of onset;  the emotional impact of caring for a huge workload of sick patients, many of whom died;  thoughts on effective leadership in times of crisis;  the changes and innovations which worked well – including a novel approach to team working and task completion, and an award-winning family liaison service;  what can be achieved when everyone is pulling together;  staff experience and wellbeing.  We also briefly discuss Dhruv’s role in inspiring the LfE movement several years ago.