The Government has advised medical workers that they face the possibility of “serious moral and emotional distress” due to the difficult choices that may be forced on them during the Covid-19 pandemic. The document states that during a pandemic, critical care resources are likely to become limited. “Once the healthcare system reaches capacity, everybody will be cared for, but may not have the same access to different levels of medical intervention. The document emphasises that in situations where all patients cannot be treated, decision-making should be conducted in a consistent manner. Dr Donal O’Hanlon, president of the Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association, said the publication “is a responsible and co-ordinated response to support healthcare staff in this challenging situation”.

Source: The Irish Times March 30, 2020 01:46 UTC