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The report is intended as an illustrative, rather than comprehensive, examination of the response during March to September 2020.

The Report highlights examples of good practice, which includes NHS Fife being commended for its targeted and supportive communications to staff and in particular their families, with the issuing of Short, regular communications.

This approach was recognised in the report as being the most effective way of keeping staff updated despite a rapidly changing landscape.

Some organisations talked about the importance of tailored messages for staff and their families. NHS Fife used animations targeted for the young families of staff to deliver specific messages for them where uncertainty may have caused distress at home.

Carol Potter, NHS Fife Chief Executive:

“Today’s report is a useful and illustrative summary of NHS Scotland and its Health Boards response to the global pandemic from March – September 2020.

“The report also highlights cross cutting themes for further improvement. Given the time frame covered by the Report some of those improvements have already been made and implemented by NHS Fife.

“Throughout the pandemic NHS Fife has been committed to supporting our staff and ensuring they are equipped to manage and continue to deliver health and care services throughout the pandemic, whilst ensuring their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“ We recognised early on that family and friends had a key role to play in supporting our staff through this unprecedent time and our commitment to timely and tailored communications to address any anxieties or concerns individuals may have felt or had been experiencing was a key strand in our communications approach.

“I have been both humbled and inspired by our staff’s unwavering commitment to do the right thing and protect the most vulnerable in our communities under the most testing of circumstances. This commitment underpinned by the support of families and friends has been truly inspiring. My ask now is that we must all continue play our part, as we move beyond level 0 on Monday and ensure that we minimise the risk of increased transmission by getting vaccinated and regular testing, especially if you have any symptoms.