TV crews on Covid wards - is it OK

The intrusive behaviour of the press realy does upset me; there is no sensitivity even at the worst of times. 'So, how do you feel now that your whole family has been killed ?' while zooming in. Unbearable - and if I were in an ICU the last thing I would need is a cameraman and reporter.

It’s so wrong

I think that people in hospital are entitled to privacy, so no, I don't think that reporters should be there unless they have informed consent from everyone concerned, which I'm pretty sure they can't have, as the patients are so ill.

Hetty - are you not part of the public? You seem to be setting yourself apart from the rest of us for some reason.

the public

They are not an homogenous mass.

Oh, I think most people are taking this seriously.
The idiots who are not will not be watching the news on the tv.

I think it's all worth it if the public sit up and take notice. It might just encourage them to take the situation seriously, stick to isolation and social distancing. We need to see the reality.

I agree that they should not be there, especially wasting precious PPE.

We don’t need to see numerous visits in different hospitals. Sadly we all are aware now what it looks like if we were previously fortunate enough not to have seen inside an ICU. I’ve heard them mention a few times they’ve donated PPE to replace what they’ve used. Maybe they should donate what they have without using any and keep out

It has made me uncomfortable too. Reporters do like to be at "the heart of the matter", but I feel that it's a bit too close for comfort.

They always point out that they have donated PPE to replace what they have used, but I don’t think we need to be seeing the wards night after night.

If I was the ward sister they would be gone!

Every part of life and death seems to be open house for journalists nowadays.

It sometimes seems like voyeurism

It is bad enough when they are hovering around the front entrance but to be allowed in a ward during a pandemic is a disgrace.

I've wondered for ages why they're allowed in at all

I did say this to DH the other evening and the fact that they are wearing PPE which is needed by staff.

I agree Maggie. Only essential personnel should be allowed in. I don't believe we need to see what is happening and the poor very ill patients.

I brought this up on an earlier thread and the general agreement was that the public needs to see what’s going on in the wards. I agree with you, dolphindaisy, I think we can do without the hospital visits. They’re a distraction and are using up much-needed PPE.