‘Art imitates nature, and necessity is the mother of invention; science also invites to study and practicks, but theory gives the prospect, and operation finishes the project’ (Franck, 1694). This age-old quotation appears particularly apt during this grim period in human history, where in only a few weeks considerable innovation and change has emerged to meet the daily challenges of reducing harm from the coronavirus pandemic. While necessity and the challenge of daily operation of health and social care perhaps have not yet ‘finished the project’ but have awakened our realization that massive changes in how care is delivered can be achieved very quickly. This may be one lesson from the pandemic we would do well to hold on to when the present danger has receded!