Covid-19 policy update: the UK Gov’s ‘Plan B’, NHS crisis and the ‘twindemic’

As covid-19 cases continue to rise in the UK, the government has continued on its ‘plan A’ to offer booster jabs and get more young people vaccinated. As the UK moves towards the end of the year and the associated ‘winter pressures’ on the health system start to arrive, concerns that the NHS is possibly facing its toughest period yet continue to prevail. 

Global Counsel hosted a call focusing on the UK government’s response to covid-19, recent developments, and an outlook on the coming months.

The call featured a discussion with Rosie Hill, Senior Associate for Health and Life Sciences, Global Counsel; Matthew Swindells, former deputy CEO, NHS England; and Dr. Harpreet Sood, former Chief Clinical Information Officer, NHS England and clinician.

They discussed:

• Whether the government should change tack and move towards a ‘Plan B’ in the UK;
   
• Whether the current response to covid-19 will lead to a crisis for the NHS;
   
• What restrictions and mitigating measures policymakers are considering if cases continue to rise;
   
• The likelihood of a ‘twindemic’: covid-19 alongside the risk of flu.