To think people are very quick to forget the pandemic

[BelleMarionette]

Myself, and other junior doctors, worked hard on the covid wards, in appalling conditions. We didn't have decent PPE, and often had little to no relevant experience or training, as many were redeployed with little notice (in my case, 36 hours). Almost all of of us became sick, some very seriously so, and some even died. Many more were left struggling with our own mental health, suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression.

We are now striking, due to pay erosion over the past 15 years. In real terms its around a 30% pay cut. It's difficult to live on what we are be being paid, especially with families to support.

I have seen an awful lot of negative comments about junior doctors on another thread. Aibu to think the public has been very quick to forget our contribution during the pandemic?

I would dearly love to be wrong and see support

I worked in a supermarket throughout the pandemic and nobody clapped for me not that I would have expected them to anyway.

Agree, the advert is appalling. Everyone who worked during the pandemic kept this country functioning.

We should be holding the government responsible for their decisions.

Apparently the claps were for all key workers, though does it really matter, since the claps won't pay anyone's bills?

Another poster asked what student debt medical graduates in Australia have, and I have checked and it is roughly half what UK graduates have. Unlike UK graduates, they have the option of having all their debt forgiven if they serve for a short time in rural or remote areas. It sounds pretty good.

I agree that better working conditions are needed, but alone they aren't enough either, as people still need to live.

It was only certain people that clapped though, mainly those on Facebook or who might appear on the telly, not many clapped up our street, I certainly didn't