In the event of a pandemic flu, word was that medical students and all kinds of healthcare professionals (who don’t normally do diagnosis and prescribing) would be mobilised to take care of the ill populace.

Lots of doctors now work part time because of their children and family life. If a pandemic arises such that schools and nurseries are all closed, there will be a large number of people without childcare. But there will be lots of teachers who are not working because their school is closed. And I’d guess that there would be fair numbers of doctors who normally work part time who would be prepared to work more hours in an emergency – as long as their children were safe and being looked after.

I suspect that organising childcare might be a very important part of planning.