Clap for NHS: How your kindness makes a difference to doctors like me – David Smith

WORKING for the NHS has never been harder. Every day is a new problem, a new way of working, a new dilemma we have never faced before.
Dr David Smith has thanked the public for their support of the NHS.Dr David Smith has thanked the public for their support of the NHS.
Dr David Smith has thanked the public for their support of the NHS.
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The pressure frontline staff are under has never been as great. And we are all feeling it – every day.

Despite the shadow of these difficult times, the support we have received from the Yorkshire public has been extraordinary.

Doctors are working round-the-clock during the coronavirus pandemic.Doctors are working round-the-clock during the coronavirus pandemic.
Doctors are working round-the-clock during the coronavirus pandemic.
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As there are so few doctors at the moment, we are having to work long hours with incredibly intensive shifts.

After working a 13-hour night shift recently, I returned home to realise that my fridge was empty and a shopping trip was required.

After wandering around the supermarket like a zombie, I went to the checkout to pay.

As I took my card out of my wallet, I saw the cashier had noticed my NHS ID card. She looked at my haggard state, gave me a wink and a smile and simply said “Keep going love”.

A health worker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) escorts a patient arriving at a hospital.A health worker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) escorts a patient arriving at a hospital.
A health worker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) escorts a patient arriving at a hospital.
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I cannot begin to tell you how much that small act of kindness did for my mental health.

Just like everyone else, we are having to rely on video calls and text messages to keep in touch with our friends and loved ones.

It is tough going to work and fighting for the health of our patients while
being worried that the next patient through the door is going to be a family member.

I was lucky enough to be away from work during the recent Clap for Carers.

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I was at home and able to hear the applause and fireworks from the people in my area.

It was so motivational to know how much our actions are making a difference for the people of Yorkshire.

We’ve had so many kind gestures 
over the last few weeks... from cups of coffee to local businesses allowing us to use their car parking spaces; supermarkets dedicating specific time for NHS staff to cakes being delivered to the wards.

The generosity and goodwill of the Yorkshire public is known across the UK and I am always proud to see how Yorkshire rises to a challenge in times of adversity.

I was asked recently how people can best support the NHS.

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People are so eager to do something to help during this pandemic.

Everyone knows the guidance by now: Stay at home and only travel for essential services.

Reducing the spread of coronavirus will limit the number of cases that will hit the NHS and allow us to best treat those who need our help.

So, please, do continue to stay at home.

We know it’s not easy but it is helping us so much and we are so thankful.

Above this, what else would I advise you to do?

Simply continue being kind to each other.

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The stories we have heard from across the region of people supporting each other are inspiring.

Picking up the phone to an elderly relative so they can benefit from hearing the sound of a caring voice.

Helping those who struggle with technology to do their online shopping. Children entertaining their sisters and brothers to give Mum a small break.

These are the things we need you to continue doing most. Simply be kind to one another.

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I don’t know how long this pandemic will last but knowing that the Yorkshire public are looking after each other, supporting each other, showing that incredible kindness to each other, keeps me going.

I know that when this ends, and it will end, we will be able to look back and be proud that we were there for each other.

Dr David M Smith is a junior doctor and member of BMA Yorkshire Regional Council.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor

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