The book I think we all need to read! With lockdown 3.0, a pandemic and a deadly virus (Covid 19) taking over the world, how about some perspective…
Yes, I know, I am very late to this party. But, I think reading this book (in 2020) has now added something extra to it and added an extra layer of appreciation. Reading the uncensored truth of an NHS Junior doctor really puts into perspective the work NHS workers put in and how much of their lives they give up. There was also a massive amount of dramatic irony while reading this as a reader in 2020, I knew what was to come.
So, let’s start:
The book is hilarious at times, Kay’s humour is immaculate in this book. We get to see all of the more ‘colourful’ personalities that would come in out and of hospital, and the absolute dick heads who think they are better than you because they pay national insurance…
But, we laugh with Kay and make fun of the inconsiderate bastards that think the sun shines out of there arseholes (which according to Kay’s book, is a good place for storage for some patients…)
The truth to his stories are so very funny, showing you the more amusing side to health care which is people. I love his opinions, his side comments that he had to keep to himself which he was finally able to publish. It makes you think about every other doctor and nurse who has witnessed similar and equally bizarre things and it does make you question the intelligence of our race sometimes.
But then there is also the tragic. You get to see first hand some of the tragedies doctors and nurses witness, and still have to come back to work the next day. It’s heart-breaking and at times I had to remind myself that this is all true, that this was actually happening to a human being, who at the time was the same age as me. This book shows you the effect it has on human, not a doctor. I think it’s very important to view it that way.
One of the things that I loved about this book is that Kay really doesn’t offer much information about himself, but you still learn so much about his life. Most of the diary entries are about patients he was treating, things happening in the hospital and a few about his friends lives. He barely ever mentions himself, but through the tiny mention of himself and his life, you get a glimpse into his personal life, and see how his job affects his private life and relationships.
I found myself shocked at some of the part in the book, the way it affected his life. For me, working as a waitress, covering a shift for someone (depending which colleague) who couldn’t work would sometimes could take a little bit of arm pulling, some bribery, or at least a favour in return, but for Kay it was normal and not really a choice. It was the way it was, even if you had plans or if it was your day off. Which I know sounds like such a pathetic way to put it into perspective, but I think comparing it to any other job, to your life does try to (very badly) attempt to give you the tinniest glimpse into what it’s like. He really gave up his life for the NHS, to the extent of having to miss friend’s weddings, funerals and cancelling holidays. I didn’t realise the extent of how much work and time it took until I read this book as to what it was like working in hospitals.
This book is an ‘essential’ read. It shows you the work people are doing for the sake of YOUR health. It ages so well because now, in today’s climate not only are the NHS working hard, but they are also risking their lives at the same time. I know there isn’t a lot you can do for it, I mean you can’t choose when you’re going to be sick, but appreciate the work they are doing, be polite be nice, don’t be a dick and that can go a very long way.
If you’re feeling sorry for yourself in lockdown 3.0, then I think you should read this to really put things into perspective for you. I know it’s hard for everyone, and even if it’s not to add some perspective, read this to show you the reason you are staying home for. The people you are doing it for. Forget about politics and all that crap because at the end of the day, it’s not Boris Johnson working unspeakable hours and saving people’s lives, its’ the NHS. Obviously, these notes of Kay’s are over a decade old but it really shows you the work that is put into saving peoples lives and the impact it has on their personal lives. That can only be heightened in today’s climate. Then maybe you’ll start to feel thankful that you’re stuck in the comfort of your own home, then out on the frontline fighting.
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