Frontline nurses and midwives are struggling to maintain the necessary 'hands off' approach while looking after mums in Slough's maternity unit.

This was just one of the day to day problems caused by the ongoing pandemic which were discussed when Slough Borough Council cabinet member Natasa Pantelic held a virtual meeting with senior nursing staff from Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust which operates Wexham Park Hospital.

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Nurse Elizabeth said: "It has been hard to maybe not be so hands on. We have had to rely on virtual consultations and be more aware of contact with patients in particular in Intensive Care Unit at a time when they were all alone."

A major part of the discussions at the meeting was how to get young people into the profession, as existing staff are preparing practically and mentally for the winter months.

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Cllr Pantelic told the professionals: “I am really keen to explore how the council and other settings could help with getting more young people into the profession and particularly interested to explore different ways in which qualifications can be gained.

“Through working with you or looking at apprenticeships, we want to help Wexham Park Hospital as it is so very important to Slough.”

“Slough Borough Council have been key partners in our collective efforts against Covid-19 and we look forward to continue working very closely together in future to support the health of our community.”