So, yesterday I toddled on down to Westminster to attend the #BringBackTheNHS event and see what it was all about. The event was filled with great speakers, including some famous ones like: @IanMcKellen @charlottechurch and @marcuschown. This was set to be a ‘Non Political Event’ to celebrate the NHS. Nevertheless, there were some passionate words spoken.
I try not to get too political in my every day research, but it is so important that we all understand the healthcare climate in which we are working, living and healing. I also feel it is important for me to understand the continuously evolving health policies, rhetorics and visions if I am to contribute positively to the #mentalhealth and well being of Healthcare workers.
And so I came to learn about the The Campaign for the NHS Reinstatement Bill 2015 ( @nhsbill2015 ) currently championed by @AllysonPollock among many others!
In a nutshell: The Health and Social Care Act of 2012, forced a commercialised model upon the NHS in England.
This new Bill aims to reinstate the founding vision for the NHS (Freee at the point of use, regardless of a persons ability to pay). A worthwhile cause to become involved with.
However, throughout the event and in listening to the speakers share some powerful NHS stories, I personally was struck by the stories involving NHS Staff. I would just like to summarise the key things I took from the evening.
– The NHS Staff will carry on giving every part of themselves to the care of others.
-The NHS staff do not go to work for themselves, but for the service of others
– NHS Staff are bound to protect/defend/obey the mother of the nation (ie. The NHS) – as the well being of their family, friends, mothers, aunties, children etc….depend upon it.
– Front line NHS staff see the true nature of life and death. Their eyes see what others cannot comprehend or identify with. They then go back to changing beds….
-They work hard, despite being underpaid (and arguably undervalued).
-They work unsociable hours, any time, anywhere.
– Where resources are strained, they make sure that people still get what they need.
– They are still willing to give more.
The cultures of our healthcare systems and staff clearly show that ‘to give all’ is not enough. They will always give more…..Yet in times of strain, change and challenging circumstances, how will this effect the mental wellbeing of healthcare staff?
Who puts healthcare staff first?
Who makes sure that they are cared for?
Worryingly, this ‘carry on regardless’ mentality may put our healthcare staff on an even higher pedestal to perform and deliver. Will this make it even harder for those in psychological distress to seek help?
Does this ideology accept failure? – Healthcare staff are good people. They will give their all. I just hope there is someone there for them if they fall.
Dr Sally Pezaro 