Clapping for the NHS

[Moomin8]

This makes me cringe. The U.K. shrugged its shoulders and voted for a government which they knew decimated the NHS a few months ago.

And now people are standing on their doorsteps clapping. I think it's beyond insulting. I know we didn't all vote conservative but how patronising when NHS staff are putting their lives at risk.

People on my local FB group are now calling shame on and calling out people who didn't come out to clap.

It's just another distraction technique, isn't it, like the phone number to "report" anyone flouting the social distancing rules. Encouraging people to flap their appendages together like a sea lion, rather than actually addressing the government or your own MP directly about the need for PPE and better working conditions for our NHS staff.

Totally disagree.

I used to be a nurse and my entire family have been in the NHS since it began. Due to personal circumstances I cant do much physically at the moment but I can bloody well clap and cheer along with my children to show some appreciation for the huge sacrifices being made and very sadly some lives lost.

Judging by my estate you are in a minority.

Sneering is so much more of a pointless gesture than clapping

Sounds like a lot of the problem is spending too much time on Face Book. And thinking that equals everyone else.

There were quite a few people clapping on my street, but we also had loads of vote labour posters up round here at election time.

Sneering is so much more of a pointless gesture than clapping

Doesn't tend to wake up so many babies though. eh?

I didn't because I feel it's a bit daft. And people are already turning it into being about them, aren't I wonderful, I stood on my bloody doorstep and clapped for a minute. My stepsisters filmed her street and her husband clapping.

@onemouseplace really?! All those that stood clapping. I wonder if they've actually done anything worthwhile, like checking on their neighbours or given to any charities that are struggling hugely during all this? Or just anything?

Lest it be forgotten there's a Labour leadership election result today. Whether you're for or against Boris an effective opposition is vital to ensure we make the right decisions for our country. If you believe in democrasy you believe in this, whatever side of the table you're on! I think it's scary our attention has been brought away from this in favour of clapping; although of course we are all so grateful for our NHS staff.

But they aren't mutually exclusive. Clapping for three minutes doesn't preclude you from also doing something practical.

My fundamental issue is that people are using SM to encourage clapping, TV was publicising it, and it has been frequently mentioned on the radio. I can see that clapping shows goodwill etc but just imagine if all that energy, effort, enthusiasm and goodwill was harnessed instead in a focused way to raise funds which could actually make a difference. Everyone has come together, we could be doing so much more. It isn't about doing both for me, it's about doing one fantastic, useful thing instead. Our local hospice is begging for money to enable them to buy PPE. Maybe next week it should be donate a quid at 8 instead. That would be amazing.

*democracy!

I do think we British can be our own worst enemies sometimes at being professionally miserable and sour-faced.

In my case, I merely dislike hypocrisy.

My point is, if you appreciate the NHS so much then do something useful instead of clapping just to make yourself look good.

And if you already are?
Can we clap?

I voted labour, I am shopping for my elderly NDNs and I am a key worker.

I am also a human being going through this pandemic.

Am I allowed to clap?

just how sanctimonious do you sound OP? Just Look at you calling out hypocrisy? ! Thanks for that. Not professionally sucking the joy out of the atmosphere.

I know that so many of my neighbours are kind decent people who are helping and supporting each other and more. Doing lots of useful things. They do not have to prove anything to come out and clap and neither do I.

I do it for the sense of community and solidarity I feel for the people working in front line jobs. And you know what. I do useful things as well.

I'm not sanctimonious. I don't like empty gestures.

People should put their money where their mouth is.

For those clapping tonight, a question.....

Will you still clap in 6 months time when the NHS is having to deal with the shitstorm that is coming from non covid patients? For the late cancer presentations? The heart attacks? Strokes? For the people not getting the treatment they need now because of this pandemic?

Or will you blame the NHS managers and staff for decisions they did not make?

And then vote for the Tories.

Yes, it is political. It will always be political because the decisions being made now are to delay treatments, ensure people are told to stay away from the NHS and to ignore all other conditions. That is, absolutely the decision of the govt ams will cost us lives.

And I am not saying that everyone who claps is a hypocrite. But lots will be if they voted Tory.

As a nurse myself I just don’t get why people need to clap for us..it’s my job..I chose to do...if you want to do anything get more PPE or give us a payrise

@Moomin8 you sound like you are

@sleepingpup that's fine. I don't care if that's how I come across.

I think most people can't see past the ends of their noses unfortunately.

This government should be paying NHS staff much more than they get.

@leighhalfpennysthigh

nope not voting Tory
nope not 'blaming' bloody anybody

just thanking.

@Leighhalfpennysthigh Completely agree with you. I’m frontline staff.. and we’ve already been told that we will increasing our hours again (already working more than my contracted full time hours) when the covid has died down to catch up on all the GP and OP work which has currently been shelved.
We’re trying to get some 2WW’s done when it’s quieter in the evening but patients don’t want to come in at the moment.
Pre Christmas I was working 60 hour weeks, January was normal 40 hours and now it’s manic again. I feel that if I do survive covid I won’t survive the aftermath of catching up on work. It’s just not going to be possible without having a breakdown during it

This government should be paying NHS staff much more than they get.

totally agree. But I'll still thank those doing front line jobs.

I think most people can't see past the ends of their noses unfortunately.
Typically elitist MN take. Most other people are stupid, hypocritical, and don't really understand. You on the other can see straight through it.

Well I feel really grateful for the individuals within the NHS who work so hard under shit conditions (I have spent one of my DC’s lives in and out of hospital, on the wards, in clinics, I have got to know our team, and observe many staff at close quarters) and, yes, do deserve a pay rise.

I write to my MP about our health service, I have raised money for ‘our department’s ‘ charity, I can’t for the life of me think how I can supply PPE!

But I do want to say ‘thank you for what you do’. It means the world.

Maybe saying ‘thank you’ as we leave an appointment is ‘virtue signalling ‘ too?