Safe in the comfort that following two vaccinations and a booster, the worst effects of current strains of Covid are nullified, the Prime Minister introduced “revelling up” this Christmas encouraging us all to enjoy the seasons delights against a background of record-breaking infection levels.
It is now extremely clear that vaccinations and boosters are the winning formula in the fight against Covid as within little more than 12 months the virus has ceased its killing spree at the levels first witnessed in late 2020 and early 2021. The Government – content in this knowledge – is allowing society to be reminded of the vaccines’ efficacy, but sadly still delivering volumes of infected unvaccinated and perhaps less public-spirited people into the arms of the already distraught NHS, who are equally affected by rising infection rates.
The current narrative for society’s fight against the Covid pandemic, which is now endemic in the UK, is more attuned to “let them eat cake” than “jaw, jaw, jaw is better than war, war, war”. It is clear that the Government, the health system and society in general is lost for words in encouragement of anti-vaxxers to protect themselves. The vast array of vaccination centres still deployed ready and willing to deliver first jabs as well as boosters, offering the final chance of survival at the last chance saloon. But sadly, their relevance and life-saving capacity is still failing to convince some and falling on the remaining deaf ears in this plight to deliver public information.
The advent of 2022 prepares us all for a return to a life of near normality, with Covid jabs joining the humble flu jab in the future protection of the ever-increasing elderly population. Is it time now to question whether the current NHS model is fit for purpose in a world of increasing health risk and information intolerance and distortion? Should we be thinking more clearly about the future purpose of the NHS in the context of health education rather than just health defect resolution? It’s clear that a service free at the point of delivery is much loved by us all, but we equally should all be demonstrating a respect for the costs of such a service and our responsibility to others where we are able, to ensure that the much-appreciated NHS system continues.
Covid 19 has been a lesson for us all in both the relevance and importance of the nation’s health service and how, once again in this particular war on the virus, “so much is owed by so many to so few”, in our wonderful NHS.
About the Author
Adrian Hawkins OBE was awarded his honour by the Queen in the 2021 New Years Day Honours list for his services to business. A lifetime businessman, Adrian Chairs biz4Biz a business support organisation which he founded 11 years ago to create a business network in the Home Counties. Adrian is also the Managing Director of Welding World, Chairman of the Hertfordshire LEP Skills and Employment Board and Chairman of the Stevenage Development Board. Adrian has 40 years’ experience in the world of business.
