Personal pandemic experiences must be recorded, replayed, and respected

In a world where experts are often decried by armchair critics and superficial spectators, Oliver’s recollections of “his” pandemic are sober, sage, and saddening.1 Without overplaying his hand he articulates the heroism of so many patient facing professionals struggling against lack of information, lack of candour, and lack of resources. Covid relentlessly probed the many inadequacies and sticking plaster solutions we have seen deployed in health and social care in the UK—chronically neglected and under-resourced for decades. Pretending that all is well—a recurring British and NHS malaise—is a defence mechanism, as is hurling oneself, like Sisyphus, at the mountains of urgent and “priority” tasks. Those who could, like Oliver, remain grounded and focused, yet compassionately caring, were treasurable examples of what is best about the NHS.Oliver’s observations come on the day when many in the NHS have been thanked for their hard work and sacrifices by being compelled to take…
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