Stop the briefings
RE your article on George
Foulkes contacting Ofcom (“Labour demands impartiality probe into Sturgeon’s daily briefings on BBC”, The Herald, December 14), all I can say is “at long last”. These daily party political broadcasts have gone on far too long and with an election due next year, they cannot be allowed to continue.
The questions being asked by the journalists and the answers provided often stray well into the realms of political point-making and are not a health message. If there is anything new to convey to the public, it should be announced in Holyrood allowing for scrutiny by the opposition. Currently the First Minister’s daily proclamations are providing her with a platform to criticise and lay the blame at Westminster’s feet. Of course, when any questions stray into areas she does not want to discuss, she suddenly does not have the figures to hand or has not seen the item being referred to. How convenient.
Having told us she wants to treat us like adults, perhaps she should do just that and get on with the day job of helping businesses to survive this economic challenge rather than furthering her own aims.
Jane Lax, Aberlour.
THE other night I was on a Zoom call with around 20 doctors and nurses of all generations and a mix of specialties in NHS Scotland, and each one expressed their deep concern over the undue pressures they and their colleagues are under at this present time. Shortage of staff due to sickness or self-isolation is resulting in certain services being shut down, and the remaining staff are anxious because of the workload. In addition, the increased number of very sick Covid patients together with the complexity of the precautions essential to diminish cross-infection, all contribute to the anxiety levels within our NHS.
A discouraging atmosphere pervades, with members of the public who heartily clapped and lauded the NHS, and other essential workers, in the spring now complaining and making life even more difficult for those who are seeking to serve under severe constraints. The working staff are on the receiving end of verbal abuse because of things not in their control.
Our NHS and other workers are under huge pressures; they are tired and see that the reality is of many months yet to come of these pressures, with perhaps years of catching up on missed treatments and operations. They are doing their very best to encourage each other, and to support their colleagues through the effects of this pandemic.
So please remember our NHS staff, police, carers, social workers, counsellors, refuse collectors, school teachers, postmen/women, and all those who work under great stress so that we, the public, can live well in our wonderful country. Spare a thought for each one, quit complaining, share a smile and a warm greeting with those who serve you.
Alasdair HB Fyfe,
Eaglesham.