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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To disagree with NHS only petrol stations?

638 replies

pistachio20 · 27/09/2021 11:08

Some petrol stations around me have now said that they are only allowing in NHS staff to refuel - apparently checking ID.

I find this completely ridiculous and unfair - not only because the majority of NHS staff where I live can easily get public transport to work (most who I know don’t drive to work anyway, and get train/bus anyway due to lack of free parking!).

So many crucial jobs require people to drive, let alone people with caring responsibilities, mobility issues, etc.

AIBU to think that it’s unfair?

OP posts:
Ddot · 28/09/2021 22:20

Don't forget it's for the ambulances too, nobody wants them to run out.

Wazzzzzzzup · 28/09/2021 22:27

Anyway. Passed through number of counties in last few days and yes, the prices went up in placea, but only 1 station was oot, none had queues, few were fairly busy, but nothing longer than couple of cars in line.
The hysteria is ridiculous. It's obviously a localized issue which is still being blown out of proportion by media and "but your loved onea might diiiiieeeee" people. Everyone should shut the fuck up, stop being special and it will calm down in 24 hours🙄

user1494334072 · 28/09/2021 22:39

Cant even get to see a doctor these days so I can’t see why the nhs should be prioritised?everyone else still needs to get to their work places, teachers, postman,delivery drivers, carers, list is endless

twelly · 28/09/2021 22:44

Petrol stations should be able to gave minimum/maximum spend which would stop overfilling and those who continually fill up (must be a minority I think.) To limit stations to NHS only staff is not in my view desirable - I think some NHS staff really suffered during the pandemic and did amazing work. However, there are essential workers in other industries - supermarkets, food production, education, police etc etc - so in my view we should not have NHS petrol stations

Intercity225 · 28/09/2021 22:55

Nobody dies at this time of year if their boiler packs up.

Carbon monoxide poisoning - believe you me, even low level poisoning made DH feel like he was dying! All because a cap over a hole in the flue wasn't there, meant the boiler was throwing out carbon monoxide back into our kitchen!

OhWhyNot · 28/09/2021 22:57

Genuine question. What is the point of giving NHS staff petrol if none of their patients can make it to hospital because they have no fuel

Because many of those most vulnerable are in hospital receiving constant care

Cant even get to see a doctor these days so I can’t see why the nhs should be prioritised?everyone else still needs to get to their work places, teachers, postman,delivery drivers, carers, list is endless

Everyone doesn’t need to absolutely be im work but many NOT just NHS absolutely do

I work in MH if we are not staffed to a level that is needed (and required) that can create a problem that is very difficult to manage and can be detrimental to a number of people (staff and patients)

If a supermarket isn’t staffed to the level quite needed it’s inconvenient to customers

I really don’t get the what about arguments. It’s another bashing for NHS staff why isn’t the anger directed at the companies that have offered NHS staff priority?

It’s been a theme on MN for quite some time now NHS staff bashing (no have never been comfortable with the clapping) direct your anger at the companies not people just getting on with their work

Whitefire · 28/09/2021 22:59

All they're asking in this case is that before people fill their car with just-in-case petrol they might consider that others need cars for life or death jobs. And not just talking NHS here.

Well yes it isn't just the NHS that do vital jobs.

XenoBitch · 28/09/2021 23:03

@Intercity225

Nobody dies at this time of year if their boiler packs up.

Carbon monoxide poisoning - believe you me, even low level poisoning made DH feel like he was dying! All because a cap over a hole in the flue wasn't there, meant the boiler was throwing out carbon monoxide back into our kitchen!

I have lost a friend to carbon monoxide poisoning, and known of others to have issues with low level poisoning too. It is terrifying as you can't smell it or anything.
Bideshi · 28/09/2021 23:34

@Whitefire

All they're asking in this case is that before people fill their car with just-in-case petrol they might consider that others need cars for life or death jobs. And not just talking NHS here.

Well yes it isn't just the NHS that do vital jobs.

Yes I already made that point several pages ago and more than once.

Neither am I suggesting that everyone in the NHS gets preferential treatment. And, furthermore, I agree that the Health Service is appallingly administered and much money is wasted. Not only that, but the GPs need to get back to work. And everyone should have a carbon monoxide monitor.But there is a distinction to be made between the malaise inherent in the health system, the hagiographical bollocks dished out by Boris and the redtop press, and the poor sods who have to do their best to work the system. All I'm saying is let's consider the poor sods.

OK does that cover everything?

Just maybe a few people might be economical with the fuel they have in order that other people can do their jobs. And community carers and health professionals, emergency tradesmen, undertakers - you name it- are a bit more important than someone's urgent need to go to Ikea at the weekend.

Roxy69 · 29/09/2021 00:05

A friend of mine just filled her tank with using the NHS card, even though her retired husband also has a car, presumably not completely empty. People are just selfish.

JosieJasper · 29/09/2021 00:12

Buses and trains dont always run at the times we nhs staff need to be in work for so forgive us for needing to use cars . I'll raise it with our trust that perhaps they need to provide us with bicycles or at the very least horses . Maybe that would suit you better

What!? So it’s only NHS staff that work shifts is it?

FateHasRedesignedMost · 29/09/2021 06:29

The same ones who were waving NHS badges to skip queues at supermarkets while all the pensioners waited out in the cold. Like my neighbour works 10-2 in a office NHS role but couldn’t possibly wait like everyone else

Why do you think NHS workers mostly have office roles? You know it says on your ID badge where you work eg full time B6 nurse on acute medical ward.

When I had to get to work on time during the pandemic I often used my badge to nip into Tesco on the way… because I needed to pick up an item or two for a patient eg they’d come into hospital with no toiletries.

Was I going to wait behind 20 pensioners with trollies when I’d be in and out in 5 minutes? Should I have made myself an hour late for work?

To the door staff’s credit they did read my badge properly and sometimes asked the name of the ward I worked on. Nobody ever waved me through and I always apologised to the queue and explained I work at the hospital on a covid ward.

tigerlilly22 · 29/09/2021 06:40

So in the same token, if NHS workers can get public transport, how about all the workers too. I'm not disagreeing with you either btw, but who decides who's essential and non essential?

Morph2lcfc · 29/09/2021 07:04

@OhWhyNot

Genuine question. What is the point of giving NHS staff petrol if none of their patients can make it to hospital because they have no fuel

Because many of those most vulnerable are in hospital receiving constant care

Cant even get to see a doctor these days so I can’t see why the nhs should be prioritised?everyone else still needs to get to their work places, teachers, postman,delivery drivers, carers, list is endless

Everyone doesn’t need to absolutely be im work but many NOT just NHS absolutely do

I work in MH if we are not staffed to a level that is needed (and required) that can create a problem that is very difficult to manage and can be detrimental to a number of people (staff and patients)

If a supermarket isn’t staffed to the level quite needed it’s inconvenient to customers

I really don’t get the what about arguments. It’s another bashing for NHS staff why isn’t the anger directed at the companies that have offered NHS staff priority?

It’s been a theme on MN for quite some time now NHS staff bashing (no have never been comfortable with the clapping) direct your anger at the companies not people just getting on with their work

I said upthread, I don’t need to be in work as I could work from home and have done for 18 months. However our employer changed rules when the isolation rules changed and now there’s no home working at all everyone is back in. I’m sure lots of ppl are in same position we can’t just not go in or we’ll not get paid for the day and potentially sacked for not turning up for work
Ddot · 29/09/2021 07:05

It will calm down, once you have a full tank you have a full tank.

Offmyfence · 29/09/2021 07:10

@Boood

YANBU. I’m sick to bloody death of the virtue hierarchy of jobs in this country. If your job keeps a roof over your head it’s essential, whether you’re an ICU nurse or an Instagram influencer.
Exactly!
Offmyfence · 29/09/2021 07:13

@EdgeOfTheSky

All essential front line workers need to be priorities for fuel needed for them to be able to get to work / do their work.

We should be able to self police this and act responsibly if told not to fill up our tanks irresponsibly.

But people are selfish and stupid.

Ok but what about people, who if they don't get into work, they won't get paid.

No furlough money for these, but they won't be able to pay their bills, provide food etc.

Surely these should be prioritised also?

TinselTitsAndGlitteryBits · 29/09/2021 07:13

@jwpetal

All of us could get buses, walk, taxi but it's more convenient. Also many are travelling in their cars for home care and on poor wages. I know some take advantage of this but they are more prioriy
Bit tough getting a bus or taxi when they've no fuel either.

My dad drove round for 40 minutes last night before finding diesel at 1.67. If he doesn't have it he cannot work.
Taxi driver. No fuel = no work at all.

He can't walk, get a bus/train, work from home, take a few days off...

He NEEDS fuel. Arguably more so than some, even in the NHS, who could walk/cycle.

HagridHair · 29/09/2021 07:15

This thread is so depressing

Offmyfence · 29/09/2021 07:17

@olivehater

Maybe some are working from home but doesn’t change the fact that’s those working in hospitals are not. Do you need them to prove that that is what they do. How do you suppose they do that. Our id badges don’t specify whether we are clinical or not. I drive to work. I do not work from home. Therefore I need petrol. I am sure you will be the first to complain when there is no one to see you in A&E. But agree care worker should also be govern priority. I would like to think if they showed their badge to a petrol station. They might show some discretion.
I also need petrol to drive to work, as do many and you'd also be unhappy if

Your bins weren't being emptied
Your post not being delivered
No food in the shop
No one to serve you on the shop
No one to fix your car

The list is endless, loads of people need to be physically at work.

TinselTitsAndGlitteryBits · 29/09/2021 07:27

@JosieJasper

Buses and trains dont always run at the times we nhs staff need to be in work for so forgive us for needing to use cars . I'll raise it with our trust that perhaps they need to provide us with bicycles or at the very least horses . Maybe that would suit you better

What!? So it’s only NHS staff that work shifts is it?

Makes you wonder what members of NHS staff that don't drive do to get to work?

Does everyone who works at a hospital drive? I doubt it.

toooothacheee · 29/09/2021 07:28

I disagree with prioritising certain jobs and areas of work for petrol. There are so many roles that are essential, not just nhs workers.

Fire Service
Police
Home carers
Teachers
Delivery/distribution services

Everyone needs to plan ahead for if they run out of petrol and if they need it keep trying stations.

It's a pain, and the country is full to bursting with absolute dick heads panic buying, but limiting an essential item like petrol to one area of work is really stupid.

cricketmum84 · 29/09/2021 07:30

Come back and update us when your next doctors appointment or hospital visit is cancelled because NHS staff couldn't get to work.

YABVVU

TinselTitsAndGlitteryBits · 29/09/2021 07:32

@tigerlilly22

So in the same token, if NHS workers can get public transport, how about all the workers too. I'm not disagreeing with you either btw, but who decides who's essential and non essential?
Those who drive said public transport?

No buses/taxis if they can't get petrol. The drivers that can't work from home/walk to work.. because they drive for a living.

toooothacheee · 29/09/2021 07:34

@cricketmum84

Come back and update us when your next doctors appointment or hospital visit is cancelled because NHS staff couldn't get to work.

YABVVU

What about if you need police support and they don't turn up. Your house is on fire? Nevermind! Or the kids can't go to school because they are understaffed. How about disabled/elderly people who can't get out of bed and washed without a carer? And need their medication? Care homes with no staff?

The nhs is not the only essential service that needs fuel to function.