Protect The Frontline

Protecting NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DAUK launched the Protect The Frontline campaign with six critical demands to safeguard NHS healthcare workers. We fought tirelessly to ensure doctors and all NHS staff had the protection, support, and recognition they deserved.

Our Six Key Demands

1. Adequate PPE

We coordinated a letter to Boris Johnson signed by 8,000 doctors, created the NHSPPE app to track PPE supply, and lobbied for WHO-level PPE recommendations. As one doctor told us: “We have had doctors tell us they feel like lambs to the slaughter.”

2. Protection for Staff Speaking Out

We advocated for doctors’ right to raise safety concerns and worked to prevent bullying and silencing of healthcare workers. “Bullying of staff when they speak out about safety is completely unacceptable.”

3. Death in Service Benefits

We sought comprehensive benefits for all doctors and pushed for financial support for bereaved families. “It is simply morally unforgivable” that families were left without adequate support.

4. Coroner’s Inquests and Public Inquiry

We called for independent investigation of healthcare worker deaths, mounted a legal challenge with Good Law Project, and gathered over 100,000 petition signatures.

5. International Medical Graduate Rights

We advocated for Indefinite Leave to Remain for dependents and campaigned to abolish the NHS surcharge for international workers. “We find it unconscionable that bereaved families might find themselves at risk of deportation.”

6. Childcare Support

We highlighted challenges for NHS workers with childcare and raised awareness about difficulties during the pandemic. “Healthcare workers do not have superpowers.”

This campaign demonstrated the power of collective action in protecting frontline medical workers during unprecedented times.

Campaign Achievements & Resources

• 8,000 doctors signed our letter to the Prime Minister on PPE
• NHSPPE App – Created to track PPE supply and request emergency equipment
• 100,000+ petition signatures for public inquiry into healthcare worker deaths
• Legal challenge with Good Law Project and Bindmans LLP
• Support our ongoing work