We already know that the Covid pandemic has stretched front line services everywhere.
But there is one area that should be protected from the impact of sub-par care levels and that is the
health service.
Just three nurses being asked to look after 30 frail, elderly patients in Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital’s Langlands Unit would be difficult enough.
Add dementia to the diagnosis and what is already a hard task becomes virtually impossible.
The committed carers become stressed by the relentless workload that prevents them from giving each person the attention they need.
And the patient will lose out on that little bit of extra care that could make all the difference.
The fact that agency workers – who command a higher fee – are refusing to work on the QEUH ward should be a wake-up call to those in charge.
They should investigate how the staff shortage is having an impact on a group of workers who have already given more than anyone thought possible.
Disputes over staff levels rarely result in the workers getting the outcome they wanted.
Management do not tend to start hiring. Instead, people are moved from pillar to post to help paper over the cracks.
It’s usually the sick and the weak who become the collateral damage and suffer most.
NHS Scotland should be doing everything it can to make sure it doesn’t happen this time.
Games heroes
There’s an inspirational story of courage, determination and fortitude behind every drop of blood, sweat and tears.
The big-name stars of Tokyo 2020 were awe-inspiring enough but the amazing line-up competing in the Paralympics should have viewers at home cheering even more.
Every athlete needs mental toughness, raw ability and the ambition to reach the top.
And, without all three of these attributes, potential cannot be unlocked.
Very few make it to the biggest sporting stages.
But every one of the incredible athletes taking part in this year’s Paralympic Games is a living, breathing example of what can be achieved when you refuse to give up.
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