The RNHS?

There has been a practice over the years of politicians and the public in general singing the praises of nurses (having events like Nurse of the Year, and so on) but turning their backs when they ask for salaries in line with inflation, proper levels of staffing and decent working conditions.

You must recognise Eloethan that this is whataboutism. There is absolutely no reason why, when this historical event is over; when we count the missing in our friends and family, the country, headed as it is currently is, should not in some way recognise those who will, by then, have given so much. This in no way stops that same state giving the salaries and conditions in line with what we expect for everyone.

I do appreciate your honesty in the last paragraph when you give your reason for not agreeing with my suggestion - and it was only a suggestion - your feeling that it would be the Royal family using it as PR.

I don't see the way our state recognises people and organisations in this way - I treasure my father's medals for example and my brother treasures his medals and MBE, as the way they were recognised by the state as going above and beyond for their country. It is at least honest of you to say you would not do this because of your feelings towards the family of our head of state.

I think everybody who has had to work under pressure through this awful time, including delivery drivers, shop/supermarket workers, cleaners, etc, etc, etc) should be recognised and appreciated for what they have done.

However, I do think that hospital staff are especially deserving of gratitude. They have responsibility for people's lives and, in the current situation, they are working long, exhausting shifts with several of their colleagues off sick, seeing the most distressing cases - and, because of the nature of their jobs, having a very high risk of catching the virus.

A very practical way of "honouring" them would be to respect their professionalism and dedication by giving them a decent pay rise to make up for the several years in which their salaries have not kept pace with inflation.

That is just a bad tempered point of view. Honours are given by the Head of State. All any of you who don't agree have done is spew bile against the existing system. I said it before, this is about honouring those on the front line, in some cases giving their lives. You cannot change the system so what and how would you honour them? It seems many of you would rather diminish the role these people are playing so you can spit your venom about something else entirely.

GGMK3
1. You propose to change the title of the NHS to the Royal National Health Service. Not many takers for that idea.
2. You then assume that no one wants to show any support for the NHS at 8pm" Perhaps you should wear a tag if you get admitted with the virus saying "Just do your job. It's nothing special "
3. I am baffled by this response as I worked at the sharp end of the NHS all my working life hence my comment that you were a bit muddled
4.Out comes the vitriol
" I have a feeling the "muddle" is your's GrannyLaine and it's incredibly disrespectful to those who are currently on the front line of the fight against the virus where you, currently, are not, from what you say "
I'm not sure exactly WHAT exactly you think is disrespectful as I retired far too long ago to be on the front line but each and every one of us, in all walks of life, are forming the battalions behind those front lines in stopping the spread by appropriate behaviour.

So GGMK3 it's never a good idea to try to make yourself look better by belittling others. I'm calling you out on it.

I agree with you paddyanne. I'm a bit sick of the NHS - and in particular nurses - being patronised. There has been a practice over the years of politicians and the public in general singing the praises of nurses (having events like Nurse of the Year, and so on) but turning their backs when they ask for salaries in line with inflation, proper levels of staffing and decent working conditions.

It is great that people are now appreciative of what NHS frontline staff do but prizes, medals and gushing praise are no replacement for proper pay and working conditions.

I don't think the royal family generally uses the NHS and, in my view anyway, adding "Royal" to an organisation's title has little practical use for the organisation and is more a PR exercise on behalf of the royal family.

So do tell ,how exactly is it an "honour" to rename it with a Royal in front of the great name it has had since its inception.Its not the ROYAL national health service its The NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE . For the nation by the nation.The royals have begger all to do with it

.Honours are a bad joke these days or haven't you noticed.Given to crooks and folk who throw cash at the government in return for favours or actors and comedians and footballers .Royalty belongs in the past ,lets make that be the case soon..sack them all and make them earn their keep .The NHS could get what we save ..

Resounding no from me.

And try reading other people’s posts ...

I did.

... before you go off on one.

I did not go "off on one" as you call it. The insults are certainly flying from your posts though, aren't they? I wrote a carefully thought out answer. It is, however, beginning to look as if your only argument is a personal one.

I texted my SIL to tell him thank you for what you are doing. His reply

It’s my job

Legend

I don't believe I have janeainsworth. Perhaps you would like to explain that accusation.

And try reading other people’s posts before you go off on one.

Don’t put words into my mouth please GG3
Over and out.

I did say Janeainsworth that it didn't have to be my suggestion but no one has come up with another one. Perhaps a medal could be struck rather like the campaign medals that are given for different theatres of war.

I really don't see what your points a) and b) have to do with it. In fact, I find this idea that royals should be involved in that way rather odd.

The Queen, whether you or I like it or not is the Head of state. No one expects the Head of State to be personally acting as a road crossing person before they award such a person with an award such as a medal. Nor would they be expected to have stood, week after week, in Wootton Bassett before they give it patronage. It's a bit of a straw-man fallacy as arguments go as this isn't about the head of state but the people going above and beyond and no, although I feel incredibly sorry for someone with the wretched disease, I don't think it compares.

Are you simply saying the NHS staff have not done enough - or more to the point will not have done enough, to be honoured for their role? That's an opinion but not one I would share and it would surprise me if many did.

GG3 Don’t you think there’s a danger that if Royal Patronage was given, there’d be an unedifying outcry against it, on the grounds that a) they weren’t instrumental in starting the NHS and b) they don’t use it themselves?

That’s not an anti-Royal comment, nor does it imply that I don’t value the amazing work done by NHS staff of all grades.

I think you’re being very unfair to Grannylaine. Anyone who is self-isolating and adhering to the social distancing requirements is fighting the virus.

Good Lord, you are a bitter lot (with the odd exception). I am certainly glad I am not holed up with some of you 24 hours a day.

GGMK3, I think you are a little muddled.

I am not in the least muddled. Were people outside applauding "the shop workers and truck drivers and village shops". No, and why not. Because they are basically not laying their lives on the line. I have a feeling the "muddle" is your's GrannyLaine and it's incredibly disrespectful to those who are currently on the front line of the fight against the virus where you, currently, are not, from what you say.

Weird thought to have, though!

In what way Hetty? Or are you just being personal?

paddyann what do want the royal family to do ?

I am also in isolation

Of course we'll all join the "clap" for the NHS ,but until the "royals" are on the frontline working with these people long shifts and poor wages then Royal shouldn't be anywhere near the PEOPLES NHS .The royals are all holed up at various locations keeping themselves safe ..and to hell with the rest of us .Anyone who believes the NHS would want to be renamed to add royal is deluded .

well, I wasn't going to post those precise words, just asking if everyone is aware of it?

I presume none of you will be applauding the NHS at 8 p.m., this evening then.

Yes, I was going to post that

Keeping an eye on the clock

-was a member. The Queen is patron. I'm sorry I didn't keep up the membership after I retired.

We already have Royal as in RCN ?

Didn't The Royal Mail get sold off?

So you don't feel they are going above and beyond what they are paid to do Annie? I sometimes wonder what you are going to come out with next. Those in the services get paid too but when they go above and beyond and put their own lives at risk, it is recognised.

I really don't know why I am trying to explain this to you. There is really no point is there?

GracesGran you asked me the above, all I said was

‘The NHS isn’t a charity ‘