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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

NHS redeployment?

17 replies

aliasname · 26/03/2020 19:46

I work in a non-clinical role in a hospital. We can work from home although there will be less work for me due to the pandemic.

We've been told we can volunteer to support clinical care if we want. I'm still trying to sort that out (paperwork! It will probably be ages before its sorted...) I don't mind what I do, I just want to help. We will be added to a list and sent wherever needed on a daily basis.

My family don't want me to do it because of the risk. I'm 47 and don't have any health conditions. My daughter has health anxiety, but everyone else is healthy. I just feel that the rest of the staff work so hard, I want to do my bit. Presumably the hospital will risk assess the situation (and if not, that just proves how desperate they are)

I don't intend being a martyr and if I was seriously concerned I'd stop. It just feels wrong to go "I'm alright, Jack, I can work from home and sod everyone else" ?

OP posts:

Singinginshower · 26/03/2020 20:11

Good for you OP. Hope lots of others volunteer too to share the load

Original poster

aliasname · 26/03/2020 21:47

Thanks littleweed

Well we went out and #clappedforcarers at 8pm. My daughter was very moved by the community spirit, thought it was a lovely show of solidarity.

So I pointed out that what the NHS really needs right now is money and staff, not just claps. Which I think opened her eyes a bit, and hopefully she's realised that we all need to pull together in whatever way we can.

OP posts:

Original poster

aliasname · 31/03/2020 19:56

So I went onto the ward today ~ intensive care, right at the deep end! ~ and WOW. First off, all the staff on there were doing an amazing job. It was incredible to see how hard they were all working in such difficult situations.

I hope I was able to give them some support, and have to go back tomorrow. Am in awe of all the staff. I've never seen anything like it, it was like a movie. Hard to believe it's real.

OP posts:

Tyvx347yvsw4 · 31/03/2020 20:59

Well done @aliasname you're doing something fantastic and the regular staff will be so grateful!

Theholidayarmadillo4 · 31/03/2020 21:01

Well done you.

BBCONEANDTWO · 31/03/2020 21:01

\That's incredible - you should be so proud of yourself.

Soanywayhowsyoursexlife · 31/03/2020 21:08

What was your role in intensive care?

SauvignonBlanche · 31/03/2020 21:11

Well done OP! ⭐️

Original poster

aliasname · 31/03/2020 21:37

soanyway I think the job title would be 'Dogsbody' !

I signed staff in, helped them to 'suit up' (there was plenty of PPE for them all) moved stuff around, did some paperwork and then did the washing up. The suiting up part was like out of a film. When they came back out, they looked exhausted, and had marks on their faces from the tight masks. I work in a very non-clinical role, and had never seen anything like it.

OP posts:

gmailconfusion2 · 31/03/2020 21:39

I work in the path labs, but diagnosing cancer, and as there are less routine appointments our workloads dropped and it looks like we will be split over the other disciplines, most likely microbiology or to a new testing hub that's being set up. Most people have agreed to go, although we still need a skeleton staff, as we just want to help where we can, but obviously we're used to lumps of body, not actually seeing patients. I admire you for helping with the clinical care.

Well done!

alliejay81 · 31/03/2020 22:06

Fab work!! Where are you based OP? I'm NHS but not frontline. Most places still seem to be very quiet, so just intrigued... I still feel like a reservist tbh!

Original poster

aliasname · 31/03/2020 22:11

I didn't see any patients ~ they were all through the Double Doors of Doom. I mostly felt very safe, except when I was working in a room where all the staff were taking a break. A dozen people in a small room?!

It was really the 'suiting up' which made me realise This Is Real - they were taking it very seriously.

OP posts:

JojoLapin · 31/03/2020 22:31

Congratulation OP

tough2019 · 31/03/2020 22:52

hi op, I don't usually post - a lurker, but this has made want to post.. you're intentions are wonderful - absolute credit to you for wanting to do this. !

My mum will be 70 in 2 weeks time - she is still working within a big London hospital in a non-critical unit, and I’ve always been so proud of what she does and her work ethic, until now.. Call me selfish, but I want my mum around and I want my so my to have his nan in his life..

We begged her to leave 2 weeks ago because of her age ( i cried to get and I’m in my 40’s as my dad is sitting at home and she’s putting him at risk) , but she hasn’t until today when the clinic shut down - she says she’s got a duty to the nhs and she’s going to support regardless..

I get that as I’m so proud of her, so get where you’re family are too Op, and I’m sure you’re family are so proud of you!!
but myself , my dad, dp, dB, and Dsil just lost it with her.. she was going to get redeployed to nightingale- we live the other side of London.

I know I’m being selfish (sorry) but I just want my mum around and a nan for my son..

And to all front line staff - so bloody proud of you all !

It’ll be your decision Op, and as my mum has always said, this is one you prepare for, but never thought you’d encounter - all medics went into this for a purpose - it’s up to you to decide now..

Wishing you al the luck in the world x

Original poster

aliasname · 31/03/2020 23:22

tough if your mum wants to work, could she do a less clinical role? Eg. there was a nurse on the ward today who didn't go beyond the Double Doors because she was pregnant; instead she was training other staff in how to fit their masks correctly

OP posts:

tough2019 · 01/04/2020 00:33

She can if she was asked and I'm sure she'd jump at the chance and for it, but not know how to tell us- her family.
Although I know the nhs needs everyone skilled in some way, age is against her, and given the lack of tests and protective equipment, I'm hoping going she won't be asked..
This is such a hard thing to comprehend... until last Thursday when there was 'the clap for the nhs', my son didn't even know what nanny did.. he often goes with my dad to drop and pick my mum up from work but he didn't know she was nurse, which when I was shocked at as I assumed he knew somehow - stupid of me I know as he's only 3 !
He know wants to clap every day for nanny, the people works with and all the doctors and nurses that make people feel better !
God to be be 3 again, especially in this current climate !
Good luck OP with whatever you decide and be safe !! hope the family will support you x

Original poster

aliasname · 01/04/2020 10:43

One thing I haven't told anyone because I know my family would freak out. When I first got there, not knowing where to go ~ they had a 1-way system so staff should only go in after suiting up.

It wasn't clear, no signs or anything. So of course I wandered in the dirty end and immediately got shouted at by horrified medics in masks and hoods. Oops. I was only there for about 60 seconds, and had no contact with patients, so hopefully very little risk.

Wish they had put big signs up saying to go the other way though.

OP posts:

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