In particular, the pandemic has affected trainees in inherited metabolic disease, many of whom have been redeployed to other wards or intensive care units to support hospital services and patient care. This has reduced their specific training opportunities in metabolic disease and lysosomal storage disorders.
Trainees are the future of our NHS and it is vitally important that they receive the support they need to progress. When it comes to ultra-rare conditions such as LSDs, developing experience and understanding by working directly with patients and their families is essential. The LSD service currently provides outstanding care and we all want to ensure this continues in the future.
With many patients and families now accessing healthcare via telephone, video and online consultations, there is an opportunity for you to support trainees.
If you are asked, then please consider consenting to the presence of a trainee (e.g. doctor, nurse, dietitian, physiotherapist or psychologist) during your virtual (and in-person) appointments and help to ensure they receive the opportunities they need to develop their practice, provide the best care for patients and to protect the future of NHS services we value and rely on.
