1) To add more context to #RTEInvestigates remember that we were just emerging from a dreadful winter for trolleys and overcrowding. Staff were exhausted. Then, in the "quieter" months we face down a pandemic. Not once did I hear complaints.
2) Now, as July approaches, we have changeover in which many doctors swap hospitals as part of training. Plenty will move around the country, away from family and friends. Just as we emerge from lockdown some of us will have brief time with those closest to us before leaving.
3) Still, I've heard few complain, but there is only so far people can be pushed. Doctors in Ireland have been exploited for years to stretch themselves to a paper thin cover of our services. Services, it must be said, that have tears appearing.
4) We can't add a second surge to this. We don't have the ICU beds or capability of most of our European neighbours. We don't have the doctor numbers. We don't have the hospital space. From the outset even half of what Northern Italy experienced would have crippled us.
5) So when you feel resolve wane think about those who died, those who lost loved ones, those with life changing illness post Covid.
Then, if that isn't enough, think of the people who were at the coalface. Those, like me, who will be far away from friends, family and partners.
Then, if that isn't enough, think of the people who were at the coalface. Those, like me, who will be far away from friends, family and partners.
