Nursing in Practice May/June 2020 (issue 114) | Page 35

tly hold
o account
rallied in the face of the Covid-19
edicts to stay at home, protect the
overnment, scientists and humanity
r and I’m grateful we have a society
e most vulnerable. I’m also confused
n apparently visit their second homes,
s have to endure isolation through
owded homes and economic loss.
een radically scrutinised. Status has
– our delivery drivers, shelf packers
considered essential workers, with
back seat. Values have seemingly
rability and death. I’m hopeful this
when the economy settles.
, is the best weapon the Government
s funding and equipment. Trust debts
ff, and it has hugely elevated the role of
atastrophe to make these changes?
g workforce crisis for long enough,
tage of clinicians has facilitated
g students, modifying training and
rs, a willing, qualifi ed workforce
appeared. Well, in theory it has.
portal for returning staff is
umerous reports of practicing
ith no response from the NHS
I’m already on the Nursing and
current enhanced DBS status as
ry and community experience, am fi t
I offered myself to an NHS Trust. But
ement to my completed application.
d’ and occupational health had to
ontinuing high level of staff absence.
omplicated and unbelievable to
NHS has a dire workforce need.
l protective equipment (PPE) has
g clinicians and carers.
enough PPE to protect healthcare staff
on by Matt Hancock that PPE was not
ick in the teeth to hardworking health
unprecedented times. Nurses are
ed, consistent guidance and suffi cient
leaders need to hold the Government
ut do it fairly. Times are tough enough.
Nurses
are
frustrated;
we need
evidencebased,
consistent
guidance
and
suffi cient
supplies,
not blame
Marilyn Eveleigh
is a nurse adviser
and independent
trainer in East
Sussex