If you’re not desensitised then you’re exhausted by your anger and outrage at a failing system.
The post pandemic NHS. The affect Covid had on doctors, the affect of on going staffing shortages. The unreasonable demands placed on doctors. The cost to their mental health. A similar drama could have been written featuring paramedics, nurses, social workers, fire officers, prison officers, police officers and teachers. They all have in common working in a system that exploits, leaves unsupported, exhausted individuals and prefers to blame them rather than recognise the impossibility of what is asked of staff. Whilst the affects of Covid, staffing shortages and unreasonable demands on employees may be more dramatic in front line services these problems are experienced by employees in all types of organisations. Across the board the response is to treat this as an individual problem because that is easier than acknowledging that it is the system that is failing. Mental health and wellbeing initiatives focused on supporting people identified as vulnerable are not the answer organisation need repair the system and make it fit for purpose not the individual.
Blair Mcpherson former director author and blogger www.blairmcpherson.co.uk
