So as a Major Trauma Centre Clinical Director, I've been asked my opinion about the resumption of a range of professional sport activities. Nice to be asked. I understand the intent. Here is my response: 1/12

Whether your activity is within HM Government's regulations or not, we are here to serve. We will never close. 24/7/365. Anyone, anything, anytime. And we will do our very best. Always. 2/12

But, know this...

Ambulance service operations may be significantly reduced and/or compromised. Response times may be longer. 3/12

A very large proportion of voluntary aid society and private sector ambulance providers are assisting the NHS and emergency care provision by the track/course/field may be limited. 4/12

Our Air Ambulance services may be reduced in capability and capacity, with re-deployment for critical care transfer taking priority in many cases. 5/12

There is no such thing as an emergency in a pandemic... Everything slows down. Sorry. Just does. 6/12 https://acanticleforlazarus.com/2020/03/23/there-is-no-emergency-in-a-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR1bFum5hn640VS0sNBQSDrXvQQ9N93WhmkTqjBa--gndHtHey4mXi5P5Lk

The capacity in the MTC for all aspects of trauma care (ED, CT, theatres, critical care, wards and rehabilitation) may be significantly reduced due to segregation of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 pathways. 7/12

The Emergency Departments, and the wider hospitals, have a lot of people with COVID-19 in them ... 8/12

Thresholds for ceilings of care and escalation of care across the spectrum of injury and illness may change. 9/12

I get that incidents with professional sportsmen and women are relatively rare and I can see the arguments for returning to normality, especially economically. 10/12

But in the context of a national health emergency and global pandemic, I wouldn't advise it. In fact, I would, perhaps more politely, echo the Care Quality Commission... 11/12

Stay Home
Protect the NHS
Save Lives.

Please. 12/12