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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Hospital staff, tell us the reality

649 replies

Ihateme · 29/12/2020 14:27

I’m am so fed up of seeing people comment on here that schools should be going back, that people should not be reporting mass gatherings in tier 4, how dare people begrudge a child their birthday party etc...

The hospitals are in a worse state now than they were during the first peak. Would any doctors or nurses care to confirm this? Maybe then these Mumsnetters will get the message.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
SilverGlitterBaubles · 31/12/2020 17:46

@Livinginthecity

If you ask the conspiracy theorists what other countries are just letting it rip through the population they can't answer.
Unfortunately I have tried this was was told that's because 'they are all in on it' Hmm
Grandtheft · 31/12/2020 18:18

I've read most of this thread, it's unbearable. Makes me so angry that anyone wouldn't believe what is going on, sending heartfelt love and thanks to everyone of you working on the frontline, you are still truly appreciated, more so than ever Flowers

Abijay1 · 31/12/2020 18:22

Thank you

mpsw · 31/12/2020 18:22

this was true and yes they now have military doctors in helping them at ICUs in Essex

That's weird. Did he know where they came from, as nearly all DMS secondary care professionals work in NHS when not on ops, so are not really available without raiding a different ICU or other acute unit (I'm assuming none anywhere have spare staff)

Are they doctors who have been released from staff jobs?

Madhairday · 31/12/2020 18:36

@Grannypants55 I am so sorry for your loss. Flowers

@IrmaFayLear how could you read all these posts and still say that it's just a normal winter.

It's not.

And it's more than just busy.

RedToothBrush · 31/12/2020 19:04

Paul Brand @paulbranditv
Very concerning email sent out to staff at the Royal London Hospital this evening, detailing the extreme pressure the NHS is under.

It warns “we are now in disaster medicine mode. We are no longer providing high standard critical care, because we cannot.”

Hospital staff, tell us the reality
Hospital staff, tell us the reality
Hospital staff, tell us the reality
RedToothBrush · 31/12/2020 19:04

And

Hospital staff, tell us the reality
TheLittleDogLaughed · 31/12/2020 19:25

IrmaFayLear and your point is ... ? Everything is just like normal and there’s no pandemic?! I was in hospital for a month in 2019 and I had visitors. Patients came and went rapidly. Not that many body bags. It’s nothing like that now.

IrmaFayLear · 31/12/2020 20:19

I’m not saying it’s normal at all. My comment was in response to someone saying the were singing carols to distract patients from seeing a body being removed.

I have every sympathy with overworked staff at this time. But if you are in a (medical) hospital ward at any time it’s quite likely someone is not going to make it.

Lougle · 31/12/2020 20:53

I'm sure whoever sent that email didn't intend it to be publicly available. It highlights the gravity of the situation, but should have been kept confidential. Nobody wants to think of a relative receiving suboptimal care, even if it is the reality. I am certain that every patient will be receiving the best care available in the circumstances.

CoRhona · 31/12/2020 21:45

Agree with @Lougle. As much as that email is there to prove your point (and I wholeheartedly agree with you) it is not meant to be public and should be removed.

missyB1 · 31/12/2020 22:25

Actually I don’t think that email should be removed. Sometimes the real truth should be revealed - however unpalatable.

cbt944 · 31/12/2020 22:47

But the truth has been revealed ongoingly since we saw footage from desperate doctors and nurses in Italy back in early March.

People are just refusing to believe, searching for alternative universes to put their faith in, and then being all round cunts.

CherryRoulade · 31/12/2020 22:53

@mpsw

this was true and yes they now have military doctors in helping them at ICUs in Essex

That's weird. Did he know where they came from, as nearly all DMS secondary care professionals work in NHS when not on ops, so are not really available without raiding a different ICU or other acute unit (I'm assuming none anywhere have spare staff)

Are they doctors who have been released from staff jobs?

My understanding is that military support is drivers and ambulances plus health care assistants. Very few clinicians are available as they are already either deployed in active roles or already in NHS support roles. The idea that there are vast numbers of medical and nursing staff sitting around doing nothing is laughable.
CherryRoulade · 31/12/2020 22:55

The last call i was on the prioritisation of military support was discussed as demand outstripped availability. The army can support a little but aren’t the answer.
I’m surprised that clinicians working in support agencies such as NHSE, PHE and CQC aren’t yet being deployed.

twig1234 · 31/12/2020 22:58

@CoRhona

Agree with *@Lougle*. As much as that email is there to prove your point (and I wholeheartedly agree with you) it is not meant to be public and should be removed.
Agree
missyB1 · 31/12/2020 23:07

No need to worry about the email being on here - just seen it on bbc website.

TheWayOfTheWorld · 31/12/2020 23:12

Similar message went round DH's hospital today - ITU consultant said it was the worst day they'd experienced in their career, and it's only going to get worse. ITU full and only so much overflow available.

DH said they are definitely going to have to make decisions about who gets ITU treatment and who doesn't (and the ramifications that brings) - and remember ITU is not just for COVID patients, it is for anyone who needs help breathing/maintaining blood pressure and any function related to organs Sad

Meanwhile our fucking next door neighbours have people round, just like they did at Christmas. We are in Tier 4 Angry

Scautish · 31/12/2020 23:13

@cbt944

People are just refusing to believe, searching for alternative universes to put their faith in, and then being all round cunts

Brilliant comment - spot on.

the80sweregreat · 31/12/2020 23:18

It's an awful situation and the ones moaning they can't get a bed or treatment will be the ones that have broken the rules I'm sure.
I've no idea how NHS workers do their jobs just now. I bet a few just would love to say sod it and just go home.
Why can't people just follow the rules?
Do they really believe this isn't happening?

Nonamesavail · 31/12/2020 23:19

I cant speak for all hospitals but its not great in Ipswich at all. We are struggling.

RedToothBrush · 01/01/2021 00:02

@missyB1

Actually I don’t think that email should be removed. Sometimes the real truth should be revealed - however unpalatable.
It was shared with ITV news on twitter.

Bit fucking pointless to remove it here.

That ship has sailed.

RedToothBrush · 01/01/2021 00:04

And tbh, all this 'it should be removed' is AGAIN all about people wanting to avoid and not see the reality of the situation.

Of course people won't get the standard of care they deserve. That's the point thats been made since day 1 of the panademic.

We are Wuhan now.

addictedtotheflats · 01/01/2021 00:14

We have been busy for weeks, months in fact. Always 20+ people waiting for beds in a&e 90% of the time. Units on divert because the have no space - default A&E. Social distancing is non existent in the department most the time. Anyone with covid symptoms get bunged together regardless if they could in fact be negative with other issues. Public coming in for silly things not appropriate for a&e. Unlike back in april we are seeing frail 80 and 90 year olds being trialled on CPAP and trying to be resuscitated. We have agency nurses making up 30-40% of staffing numbers because we cant staff a "hot" and "cold" a&e with substantive staff so skill mix is poor. Numerous people going off with covid. Its just normal to us now, you become more resilient by the day and nothing surprises me now. I do know jan and feb are renowned for being hideous pre covid so god knows what its going to be like over the next couple of months. And to add, senior management are invisible sending the odd email of their appreciationGrin

Scattybrain89 · 01/01/2021 00:22

Miserable here too. We are overwhelmed and are treating all ages for covid, as well as all the other conditions we usually look after. I feel at breaking point, as do my colleagues.

  • a Staffordshire ITU nurse.