 |
| Source: change.org |
On the 10th
April, the UK saw the biggest rise in deaths from Coronavirus, 980 in 24 hours –
a jump much higher than Spain’s worst affected day of the global pandemic crisis.
On the 10th
April, my sister, a doctor working with COVID-19 patients, finally had time to check
her post for a card I had sent her telling her how proud I was of her during
such a difficult time.
My sister has continuously amazed our entire family with her unmatched work ethic and dedication to creating a successful
career and life for herself. Most of the things that she has been able to achieve in her life, I
could never dream of doing, however, there is now something that unfortunately
she cannot do – challenge the way in which NHS staff are being treated. If she
cannot, I will.
Currently,
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for NHS staff treating those with COVID-19
is inadequate. Guidelines made available by the World Health Organisation state
that PPE should include the correct medical mask, a gown, gloves, and some form
of eye protection, either goggles or a face shield.
Unfortunately,
this is not being provided to all staff by the government. Many staff find
themselves using their own DIY versions of PPE just for them to feel some sort
of reassurance whilst at work. And the effects of this are clear. Every day more
deaths of NHS staff are reported but what is alarming is the government’s attitude
toward this.
Matt Hancock
has recently made a point of reminding the BBC that it is important to remember
that many NHS workers who have contracted the disease or are suffering with
symptoms may just as well have caught it outside of work. Frankly a comment like
this, especially by the UK’s health secretary, is ignorant, insulting and a
perfect example of how the government will shift the responsibility to avoid
further criticisms over their own failures.
This shift of
responsibility has also come with increased pressures upon NHS frontline staff.
Everyday there are new stories and reports of nurses and doctors being gagged
from speaking out about their experiences with PPE. Simply put, my sister was strongly
advised against starting a petition for sufficient PPE in her hospital if she didn’t
want her career to suffer any consequences because of it.
Those who do
raise issues surrounding PPE with NHS bosses are made to face the consequences.
They are subject to unnecessary and increased criticisms in their own work and
are often told that their social media profiles would be monitored. Across hospitals
in the UK, hundreds of NHS workers are being made the example of just what happens
when you speak to journalists or raise concerns on social media.
We are now at the point where NHS staff are having their careers threatened, a career that is incredibly admirable to achieve, in order to protect the government. These people need their representatives to speak out on their behalves.
Every time I
have spoken with my sister, she has told me that during each and every shift
she completes, she feels vulnerable to infection and unable to properly carry
out her job.
We cannot
expect NHS frontline staff to continue without the adequate PPE. Losing NHS
workers will have extreme effects on just how quickly the UK and the world is
able recover from this pandemic.
Below I have
included a link to a petition that is putting pressure on the Government so
that they do more to ensure ALL NHS staff are protected. Please sign it.
Thank you
for your support.
No comments
Post a Comment