“There are not enough doctors and not enough nurses”

I may be late to the party, but last week I finally saw the video that went viral of distressed father Omar Salem condemning Boris Johnson for the current state of the NHS.

The father’s despair makes for uncomfortable viewing but sadly this is nothing we aren’t used to seeing.

“There are not enough people on this ward. There are not enough doctors and not enough nurses. The NHS has been destroyed.” These words are compelling, you could even say heart wrenching, either way it is the absolute truth.

I for one am SO glad that members of the public are also beginning to speak up about the state of the NHS, as well as realising that the government are to blame. Scenes of distressed parents and relatives who are fed up, angry, worried and stressed because of extensive waiting times and arguably sometimes sub-optimal care is a regular occurrence. As a result of this, frontline healthcare professionals are often blamed. We’ve all seen or been that professional who has been scolded when medicines are late. Or can you recall the side eyes and big sigh when you cannot provide the exact details of when a patient will be seen by doctors? The same doctors might I add who are more than likely covering two wards whilst being called to attend an emergency elsewhere in the hospital. If I wasn’t a healthcare professional with inside knowledge I too would be angry.

Regardless, we all have a duty to educate those around us about the constraints and challenges we are all faced with. Whenever I hear people insulting the NHS and its staff I find myself getting extremely defensive. Granted the system has its flaws but free healthcare is a gift and a privilege!

It’s about time that more people realise that current campaigns such as safe staffing levels aren’t a ‘nurse issue’ they are an US issue. A society issue. It concerns every single person who benefits from and utilises NHS resources.

I used to shy away from speaking up about nursing issues with people who are not nurses but now I find myself being unapologetically loud about what we do and what we are up against.

I really hope the outrage and the anger ultimately fuels into something fruitful. A positive change that allows us as professionals to do what we want to do in a safe working environment which is to CARE.

If you haven’t seen the video already go and check it out.