Medical Council President Writes to Doctors in relation to COVID-19

Thursday, 12th March 2020: The President of the Medical Council, Dr Rita Doyle, has written to all registered medical practitioners to reassure them of the support of the Medical Council and to express her support for the medical profession in these very challenging times for our country.

Letter sent to doctors:

“Dear colleagues,

These are extraordinary times and extraordinary measures are required. Our daily routines, practices and workload have changed and will continue to do so.

Amidst the increased workload, longer hours, additional pressure and stress, please take the time to care for yourself. Take breaks, eat regularly, and get rest.

All doctors are on the front-line, and the priority for doctors is to self-protect in order to protect and treat others.

A sick doctor becomes a patient, while a healthy doctor can treat and see patients or remotely triage and help patients and our communities.

You will be expected to use all your expertise and skills to make clinical judgements, sometimes without physically seeing the patient.

Colleagues, trust in your experience, trust in your training, trust in our Public Health experts and trust that the public will play their role as part of a community response and minimise the risks to themselves and to others.

The national response is being led by Public Health experts, Infectious Disease experts, the Department of Health, the HSE and the wider Government, who are all skilfully and efficiently leading our country’s response in line with expert advice.

The Medical Council knows doctors will continue to show professionalism, with compassion and use their vast experience in supporting all in addressing the challenges we face due to COVID-19.

The Medical Council supports doctors in these extraordinary times, knowing you will rely on your expertise and clinical judgement.

I have faith in the medical profession in what is going to be a very difficult number of weeks and months.

I am proud to call you all my colleagues.

Dr Rita Doyle
President, Medical Council”

Dr Rita Doyle is President of the Medical Council and is also a full time GP with over 30 years’ experience.

Members of the wider public are reminded to:

• Wash your hands properly and often.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze.
• Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid close contact with people who are not well.
• Follow the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
• Visit www.hse.ie for latest guidance and advice.

ENDS