Argh! I'm on a 12.5 hour shift Christmas Day!

[Toddlerteaplease]

I never mind working Christmas Day. Was seeing my parents on Boxing Day. But they are refusing to break the rules. Gutted.

@SweetFelicityArkright my trust pays for taxied for staff who rely on public transport/ can't get in any other way. you might find yours does the same.

@Toddlerteaplease

I'm a paediatric nurse. Best job in the world.

I’m a mental health nurse

@thevassal

No Uber round here, I usually have myself sorted for lifts over my Christmas shifts (I do pay, seems daft to pay a taxi when I can pay a mate!) And had arranged with my bubble, who is now in self isolation, so rearranged with my mum over the 5 days which is now out of the window. I've been keeping my eye open for any taxi companies doing even just normal fares rather than double time because it's Christmas for key workers, but nothing so far and really if you don't have to work you wouldn't would you, not for no extra anyway. I'd happily pay it if I could afford to.
@Toddlerteaplease I work in a private care home, so there's no arrangements like that in place. I'm going to ask though, it's not like I hadn't sorted something out, both of which have gone to pot.
To be honest mum is still happy to take me, I have to get there somehow and I honestly think I'll be less at risk in my mum's car, in the back masked up with windows open than in a taxi that God knows how many people have been in, but I also don't want to break the rules and get myself and mum into trouble.

My sister is an oncology nurse. She has cried her way into work for the night shift tonight.

I feel for the key workers. They have been shafted in this.

I don't think you or your mum would get in trouble, if she gave you a lift, I think it's very unlikely a car with two people in would get stopped. Plus if you live alone you are still allowed a support bubble and are allowed to be in the car or even stay over with them, so that would be your explanation if you were, you wouldn't even be breaking the rules?

Police would also surely be understanding for other key workers, too - that's if any of them are around as there will be minimal staffing levels over the Christmas period.

Thank you for working on xmas day.
I do think there should be an alternative day allowed for hcps to see family. Seems an obvious oversight. No copper is going to fine you for seeing family on Boxing Day instead, some of them will be in the same situation.

Your parents are doing the right thing but I understand why you are gutted.

I'm in the same boat... Working Christmas Day.

@nosswith, it will only be me and them. In their house. They are being a bit ridiculous.

I was supposed to be working christmas eve night (ICU). Caught bloody covid off dp 3/52 ago so off til 27/12. Hope I'm well enough to go back. Kids (teens) are with their dad, god knows when I'll see them, just can't risk getting it again..

Its such a kick in the teeth for key workers. Weve been working constantly throughout this and now a large percentage of us are being penalised for having to work Christmas Day

Our family Christmas Day should have been the 27th because both my brother & I will be working Christmas Day so that's knocked on the head

It's not just keyworkers, it also affects anyone who relies on public transport. We were going to see DD and family on the 27th as it's the only day she wasn't working with public transport running, none of us drive

@Toddlerteaplease they might let you away early, obs don't expect it but in my Paeds unit if things are ‘ok’ people start getting away through afternoon - names in hat etc. It’s always a lovely day mind you, Santa for kids etc nice laid back feel to the day.
It’s utterly rubbish for anyone working the day, I’m off sick (how guilty I feel 😳) so won’t work either and I really feel for all my colleagues and everyone who won’t get their Boxing Day plans etc

@Crappyfridays7 they probably will. I'm not sure we are going to actually have any patients anyway. We are currently acting as the elective ward and all
Our patients have to be shielded for 7 days pre op. There was talk
If merging is with next door. But as I and several others are high risk we aren't allowed to move there. So could end up anywhere. As you say. It's usually a lovely day with a great atmosphere. And A LOT of food. If I ever see another box of celebrations it'll be a year too soon!

I must admit that it's been nice this year not to be overrun with; footballers, cricketers, panto cast etc. The whole 'poor little sick children in hospital over Christmas' thing is a complete myth. The parents need Pickfords to take home all the extra presents when they go home!

That is really shit for everyone who has to work the 25th. My friend is in the same boat. She works in a care home and has been extra cautious since the beginning as she really cares about the residents and didn't want to take Covid in. She was in tears earlier as she was due to meet her family on Boxing day, now she can't.

I'd stick to original plans if it were me TBH.

TBH if I was working Christmas Day and had planned Boxing Day for the family...I would stick to it ! Same virus ,different day !!

I do feel sorry for a lot of people on here. Especially if they have not seen family for a long time. I expect a number of people reckoned all would be good by Christmas and the bang!

I am only doing 6 hours Christmas and most of the dates around Christmas. Yes, even my birthday! But then I am nearly always working over Christmas as a stand in, when my colleagues are off.

Mum, |Dad and Aunt are all now dead and my Brothers have their own family and even if asked, I would not want it to be "Oh we had better invite Deathraystare as she will be on her own". To be honest, i prefer to be on my own and eat what I like, listen to what I like. I would love to be part of a big family who play lots of silly games but anyway, ain't going to happen! But I do feel sorry for people who have looked forward to Christmas. Especially if they went ahead and ordered loads of food!