The number of corona-infected people in Germany continues to increase and the burden on medical personnel increases. On Facebook, a nurse has once again shared his anger about the conditions in the health system – and called for more real solidarity.
A week ago the MPs in the Bundestag rose to everyone to clapwho “go to the limits of their resilience every day” during the corona crisis. Similar actions had already taken place in some cities before: People had gathered on their balconies and windows to clap for doctors and nursing staff – as a token of gratitude.
However, this symbolic gratitude is not enough, nurses keep saying. So does Ricardo Lange, who works as a nurse in an intensive care unit. “Now that the Corona crisis has come, we are applauded and cheered, people are standing on the balcony and celebrating us. But should I tell you something? I itch a shit, ”Lange wrote on Facebook.
There is a lack of personnel and protective clothing
The nurse emphasized in his post that he did not want to step on anyone’s feet with his words. Rather, it is about expressing his anger. Because: “For years the health system has been broken and the staff burned. Many people no longer know the word leisure and family. […] What does the gossip bring me if nothing continues to change for us? “
Lange anticipates that there will still be a shortage of staff in his industry. “And right now, when we need the most support, everything is missing. The lower personnel limit has been lifted, and now every nurse has to take care of more patients. “
What also complicates his work: there is a lack of protective clothing. Each layer receives only one protective mask. Relatives of patients also stole masks. Disinfectant was also removed – so that the theft is not noticeable, empty disinfectant bottles were filled with water. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Toilet paper was exchanged for vegetables on the ward”
As if the difficulties at work weren’t enough, grocery shopping has also become a challenge: “If my colleagues and I want to go home and do some shopping after the shift, everything is empty. Then you run from supermarket to supermarket to get at least the most important things. It was even exchanged for vegetables on the toilet paper station. No joke!”
(Photo: Utopia)
Politicians demand better pay for their branch and better working conditions from politicians. “You want specialists? Then she pays like such! Not tomorrow, not at some point. Now! Otherwise there will be no one in the future who will operate all of your new ventilation machines. “
But Lange also appeals to all other people: “You want to appreciate us? Well, stop behaving like selfish people. Buy only what you really need. […] Finally, stick to the measures that are being taken by the government. […] And above all, I would like to remember not to forget us when all of this is over. […] When you’ve done all of that, feel free to keep clapping. “
This is how you can support nursing staff
Langer seems to have struck a nerve with his words – his post has been shared almost 130,000 times on Facebook and commented on more than 25,000 times (as of April 1st). He’s not the first nurse to criticize the health care system and gossip campaigns of the past week. Just a few days earlier, a nurse from Berlin had also drawn attention to the current problems via Facebook. (Read more: “You can stick your clapping anywhere else”)
Utopia thinks: The gossip campaigns were not bad per se – on the contrary: they were gestures of gratitude that touched many people. In other countries too, citizens have applauded for caregivers. But one thing is clear: this professional group deserves more than this symbolism, especially a more appropriate payment. Above all, political measures are necessary for this – but everyone can do something:
- Support petitions like this: “Corona crisis: joint call of nurses to Jens Spahn!”
- Nurses keep demonstrating for better working conditions and a higher salary. Take part in such demonstrations.
- Choose parties who are committed to caregiver concerns.
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