Majority of retired NHS staff don't want to return to tackle Covid-19 crisis

[Northerner]

Scores of retired NHS doctors and nurses have told the Guardian that they are against returning to work to help tackle coronavirus, with many saying it would threaten their physical and mental health. The government confirmed contingency plans on Tuesday to call back to work NHS “leavers and retirees” to help relieve pressure on an NHS workforce that is expected to be overwhelmed by the virus.

But a majority of 120 former NHS employees who responded to a Guardian callout were resistant, and in some cases hostile, to the idea. Many respondents said unprompted they did not want to a return to a working environment where they suffered stress, bullying, burnout and even breakdowns.

Seventy-one said they would not be happy to return to work, with many expressing their reluctance in vehement terms. “After the way I was treated I would rather shove a rusty six-inch nail up my backside than return to my old job,” said a 67-year-old former staff nurse from Manchester.

Majority of retired NHS staff don't want to return to tackle Covid-19 crisis

Some former workers say going back would threaten their mental and physical health

www.theguardian.com

 

[MikeyBikey]

One of our GPs retired a couple of years ago. Once he left many of us realised that despite being a senior partner he wasn't keeping up to date and blamed to much on age. I once had an ATOS assessment by a retired GP who probably got more for the assessment than my weekly ESA. He was unfamiliar with PAD when I mentioned my walking was limited. Both should stay retired!

 

[grovesy]

I know in the 8 years since I retired things have got far worse.

 

[mikeyB]

Meanwhile, the Scottish government are making detailed plans in the event of a Covid-19 epidemic, and NHS Scotland is overwhelmed by the single positive case of the illness, who is currently quite well, apparently.

 

[Lucy Honeychurch]

Can't blame them for not wanting to put themselves in harm's way, especially as the virus appears to be more harmful for older people.

 

[atoll]

we have nearly joined the 100 case club,so they had better make their mind up soon,italy had 100 cases this time last week.

 

[Chatterbox]

Wouldn’t they be over 60 years of age and in the compromised group anyway?

 

[grovesy]

The Chief Medical Officer said this morning it is only those who retired in the last 3 years. It is not compulsory.