Frontline NHS staff have been hailed as heroes over the past five months.
It wasn’t so long ago we were standing at our front doors applauding as a gesture of support for their hard work in fighting the pandemic.
Yet the day-to-day reality for health workers remains very different from the positive image many of us like to think of.
The Unite trade union has said NHS staff are at “breaking point” after a survey of members found widespread concerns about staff shortages and working overtime.
More than 2000 workers completed the survey, with more than half of respondents saying they do not feel valued by the health service.
Staff shortages and unpaid overtime were regular criticisms.
Given the regular promises made by both health bosses and politicians since the virus gripped the national consciousness in March, it makes you stop and think about the reality being lived by those on the frontline.
Nicola Sturgeon has insisted healthcare workers’ efforts during the pandemic have been deeply appreciated.
But clapping and posters in windows do not fix the very real problems our health service faced years before anyone had heard of Covid-19.
This survey backs up the need for the investment required to ensure our NHS is fit for the 21st century - and that staff feel properly valued.
