Our best defence against coronavirus isn’t what you think

This measure will keep vulnerable people at home and allow self-isolating doctors to help them, writes Harriet Bradley

Donated blood and plasma samples are checked if they can used for the production of therapeutic plasma to treat seriously ill coronavirus patients in Germany (Reuters)

It is no exaggeration to say that digital healthcare will save many lives in the coming months. For whilst it is clear how brilliantly our frontline colleagues are responding to unprecedented demand, our NHS is under immense strain.

Intensive care units are at risk of becoming full and already we are reading reports of ventilators being rationed. NHS 111 has been deluged with calls, a burden we at LIVI are working to help manage. LIVI is an NHS service that allows GPs and other healthcare professionals to care for people at home via digital consultations.

I have a long professional history in the NHS. Prior to working at LIVI, I worked as a GP in North Yorkshire, within community services in Staffordshire and at a busy London hospital, so I am well-placed to understand some of the challenges we are facing.