Table 7 Themes describing challenges and celebrations/outcomes across the system

T9: Managing emotional impact of the pandemic on people (staff, patients, residents, students) but keeping them hopeful and safe

45*

T15: An amazing workforce – kind caring, supportive, strong teamwork and spirit has created a sense of pride, joy and feeling valued

85*

T10: Caring for self and each other when anxious about passing virus onto others, suffering fatigue and stress, with no end in sight

41*

T16: Everyone worked and learned together with a can-do attitude, supported by community spirit, everyone playing their part and the role of social care highlighted

41*

T11: Supporting residents/patients with the impact of social isolation and their understanding of social distancing whilst also not seeing own families

42*

T17: Feeling valued and appreciated by so many – will it continue?

29*

T12: Inconsistent policy and guidelines, and discontinuity across the system impacting on other parts of system, pace of change and uncertainty about when it will end - the new normal

28*

T18: Strengthened relationships with own neighbours, family and relatives, spending quality time with them and better work-life balance

21*

T13: Not knowing who has the virus, worrying about the risks to others (own families, patients, vulnerable others) and being more vigilant about safety.

19*

T19: Technology a success story for treatment, communication, virtual visiting, connecting and communicating with people, system efficiency, productivity and carbon footprint

13*

T14: Exposure to increased number of people dying and impact of Covid related EoL care

9*