Heartbeat: Whether you’re 9, 19 or 91, the new HEE COVID-19 library is for you

August 5, 2020

To battle the COVID-19; pandemic knowledge is our most valuable tool, the more we know about it, the more medical colleagues around the globe will be able to hunt down the clues that will enable the virus to be combated and, hopefully, eventually eradicated. But knowledge in our hands is only part of the solution – there also needs to be an understanding in patients and the public as to the nature of the disease. Why what is being done (in terms of social distancing) needs to be done, and of course, the risks involved to all, in particular, those from vulnerable groups

For patients and the general public, a lot of information about COVID-19 can be found on both the NHS website and GOV.UK. As well as updates relating to services, our organisation provides information on our website and social media channels about the pandemic. There are several resources on the Health Education England (HEE) website too.

HEE has produced a library of high quality COVID-19 patient information specifically for vulnerable groups. These resources are available in many different formats appropriate to those groups and are designed to be as accessible as possible. With easy read options, support for sign language, Makaton, a picture library for those that struggle to communicate, videos, and podcasts. There is a grouping specifically for the risks older people face, with links to guides and support from charities, such as Age UK and Carers UK, as well as specialist items produced by the likes of BBC Sounds.

For children and young people all the changes that have been going on in the world around them must be very confusing – how do you explain a pandemic to the very young? To help them better understand the virus, they too have a section which even includes pdf files of illustrated children’s stories that tackles the topic head-on.

“It is very easy to misunderstand the needs to the lockdown and the consequences of COVID-19,” an HEE representative told Heartbeat. “As a result, HEE’s library and knowledge services team has worked to develop this new web portal. It collates information about COVID-19, as well as valuable insights from external companies, charities and agencies that can be a benefit to both patients and the public. This library enables frontline health and care staff who directly work with patients, clients, and families to find, share and use reliable COVID-19 information.”