<p>Covid-19 continues to spread, with half-hearted measures by Westminster and Stormont leaving many non-essential workplaces still open for business, in spite of new repressive powers for the state. With growing numbers of new cases, the coming weeks could see a surge of patients into hospitals, including those in need of critical care. Existing health services could be stretched to breaking point, and scenes from Italy, where some have been denied care due to lack of capacity, are evidence of this possibility.</p> <p>In this episode we're discussing issues facing front-line medical staff, including lack of proper equipment and sanitation. We're also talking about what needs to be done now to make sure the health service is fit for purpose, and we ask what kind of health service can ultimately meet the needs of everyone in society.</p>