We need to stop calling NHS staff heroes. And this is why #thread https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/nhs-covid-stress-burnout-heroes-b1840683.html#r3z-addoor

It’s not just that many NHS staff are feeling increasingly uncomfortable with being hailed as heroes for what they see as simply doing their jobs.

Of course, we were going to step up to the plate when the pandemic hit. It was our duty. There was never any question. 1/

But it’s something more than that. The worst thing about being called a superhero? No-one things to ask if you’re ok.

Because behind the masks, healthcare workers are humans; who care, who feel, who mistakes.

And they have the same needs as everyone else. 2/

We need to stop encouraging this image, one that can begin to form from the first day of medical school, that of the perfect doctor: who never falters, never fails and absolutely never falls ill.

And what of those who falter? 3/

Many watched a tragedy unfold before their eyes, unable to even flinch behind their PPE, and then cried in their cars on the way home. Their one moment to sit alone with their grief.

Are they somehow less resilient, less worthy of hero status? 4/

After the second wave nearly half of ICU staff were showing symptoms of anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Being human should not be the secret identity that we so carefully keep under wraps. 5/

We are people, mot machines. If we keep putting this hero image of medics on this pedestal that no-one can ever hope to reach, who will be brave enough to say “you know what, I’m really not OK”? 6/

There are no quick fixes here. However, humans cannot be expected to function well without attention to their basic needs.

Making sure every member of NHS staff has access to hot food including at night, water and a place to rest sounds like a good place to start. 7/

So we will have the masks, you can keep the capes.

My full piece for The @Independent is here, let me know what you think https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/nhs-covid-stress-burnout-heroes-b1840683.html#r3z-addoor