It's been eight months, and billions have been spent. But, none of that time or money appears to have been spent on increasing capacity. (Nightingales aside - although without staff they're pretty pointless)
Essentially two years training to be able to work in ICU, doesn't matter what money is thrown at it, already understaffed too, the last 3 winters have been on the verge. Training staff have been sent home since March.
London doesn't have more ICU capacity per capita than anywhere else, but it's where the economy generates the most wealth, which is the real reason it's in Tier2.
Fair enough, just cut the bullshit and say so.
How many '39 year olds' will require granny to relinquish her ICU bed?
That's right, none.
So stop talking shite.
London has the ability to quickly divert to nearby ED and ICU because of the extra capacity and amount of hospitals in a small area. I'm sorry if you don't like the facts.
It happened this year already. Paramedics were issued guidance to only attempt CPR once at carehomes. DNRs were widely supplied en mass. Patients who would not survive were put on end of life care instead of going into ICU. If (When) the surge happens this Winter it will happen again.
How many 39 year olds will require ED treatment or a bed in ICU? A hell of a lot, COVID hasn't stopped car crashes, heart attacks, strokes, accidents and falls will still happen, those beds are currently full. The capacity is halved already because of then being split into hot and cold sections. Staff is down between 10-15% due to Covid on top of that.
Where do you think you're going to be treated if you come off your bike or get into a crash? Patients with poor outlooks will be moved out and those with better moved in, again. The 39 year old will be in the bed, granny will be put into a side cubical and managed.
This has already been done this year.
Why do you think the government have been desperate for flu jabs to be given? Flu and pneumonia season hasn't hit yet, the surge from Christmas hasn't hit yet, the beds are full, the frontline staff are on the verge of burn out. The government is using up all of it's political capital, nevermind the cash, on this because this winter has the prospect of being extraordinary