College President offers support and solidarity to Fellows and Members working to combat coronavirus

10 Feb 2020

College President Professor Jackie Taylor has today (Monday 10th February) written to all Fellows and Members in China and the Far East to offer her support and solidarity as they deal with the growing outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

The letter comes as the total number of reported cases of the virus across the world has reached over forty thousand, with reported deaths now numbering over 900.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

Glasgow
Monday 10th February 2020

Dear Fellows and Members,

Over the past few weeks, the spread of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has dominated the news agenda throughout the world.

I’ve had ample opportunity to reflect on the scale and scope of this new challenge as I’ve attended a number of discussions on the spread of the virus over the past week. These discussions have included attending teleconferences organised by the Chief Medical Officers on the current situation here in the United Kingdom. I’ve also been working with our Faculty of Travel Medicine, who are committed to providing regular updates for Fellows and Members across the globe on this vital issue.

I know that while the number of reported cases in the UK currently remains low, our Fellows and Members in China and across the Far East are dealing with a hugely significant outbreak of a magnitude which is currently posing a serious risk to health for the population there.

I’m writing to you today to offer you my solidarity and best wishes at this challenging time, and to reassure you that you remain in the thoughts of everyone in your College, wherever we are in the world. I know that your significant skills and experience will be brought to bear each day on ensuring that your patients have the best possible care throughout this demanding time.

If I or our College can be of any specific assistance during this crisis, please don’t not hesitate to get in touch.

Today as in every day, my job is to be on your side.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Jackie Taylor

President
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Category: Engagement