Editorial

Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat.

Welcome to the Winter Journal.

What another strange and surreal year it has been. However, with the introduction of the vaccines, and ending of lockdown, life is starting to resemble something more like pre-covid days. I’m not sure if it’s geographical, but as I do my weekly run to the supermarket, stop for a coffee, and maybe browse around the shops, mask wearing, hand sanitising and social distancing seem to be a thing of the past.

It’s hard to believe we have all just lived through the strictest regimes, where these practices became second nature. I’m surprised how quickly we, as humans, revert back to type so quickly, despite death and transmission numbers still being high. We are certainly creatures of habit.

So, what does life look like post pandemic? That’s a question people have been asking during this time. Yes, some things have changed – the way we work as a society, with more people working from home going forwards. The use of technology has shown us a different way in how we can connect with people all over the world. However, for our sector, and those working as key workers in other industries, working from home was not an option for those frontline staff.

The only thing that has changed is that we have just got busier, had little or no time off, and the stress levels have elevated to an all time high. It really has been a case of eat, sleep, work, repeat.

I have spoken to a lot of members, many of whom are tired and exhausted. They are continuing to deal with the bereaved in the same way they always have, but many have reported that they feel people are generally angrier and more abusive.

The delayed response from not being able to have the funeral they wanted or not having had a chance to say goodbye, has started to take its toll, and their anger and frustration is often channelled towards those working on the frontline. One thing for certain is we are seeing those workers now suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression, coupled with a huge backlog of work. Whilst the rest of the world may seem to be getting back to “normal” we need to ensure we look after those who have looked after us during this time.

With the ongoing investigations on how the government have handled the pandemic, we should all take the opportunity to see what lessons can be learnt, and what changes can be made for the better within our own organisations. We should take the positives from this experience and build on them.

We saw a lot of collaborative working with both local authorities and private companies. Friendships and support networks were established which hopefully will remain permanently. We saw a change environmentally, giving us a snapshot of how our actions do in fact affect the planet we live in. By all of us doing our little bit we can make a difference.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work and dedication. You perhaps didn’t get the same recognition as the NHS but you are no less deserving. You should all be proud of yourselves.

Whilst I think it’s important to look back and remember this time, I also think its important to look ahead. I hope next year we will be able to see each other face to face, with a revival of branch meetings and of course, the annual learning convention.

I would like to wish you all seasonal greetings and a happy and healthy New Year.

Sofia Allana Editor