Sunday 20 November 2022

Nellie speaks

 Hello. We haven't heard from Nellie Knowitall in yonks. She disappeared off the scene some time ago. I've just dug out an old money saving tips post from her, it was published in 2013. Anyway, she is back, and I've pestered her to dig deep into her commonsense library of problem solving solutions. I know she will have the answers we are all looking for. 

Here is the question, Nellie. How come the UK has 212,000 unfulfilled posts in health and social care, and what can be done to fill the vacancies? Bit of a puzzler that one, eh!

Thank you ilona for bringing my attention to this dilemma. I will do my best to answer it. And thank you for asking me back, by the way. Pleased to share my extensive knowledge on this sensitive subject. 

I think we must tackle the cause first before we get to the solution. Why is there such a shortage of workers in health and social care? It is my understanding that the government scared people half to death by telling everyone that they are going to catch some bugs and would soon die. Who would want to work in that kind of environment? That was the start of a few people re evaluating their position. Thankfully they didn't all leave and go elsewhere. A new plan was to clear the wards and send a lot of the oldies back into care homes. That way the hospitals could be ready for this predicted rush of poorly people. 

That put the care home staff under pressure, they had a lot more people to look after. Some of them left and moved on, thankfully some stayed. 

Once the little pricks had been distributed, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Now we have the means to get on top of this nasty bug. They said if everyone in the world took part in this we can wipe it out. That was the original idea anyway. I don't think they had thought it through enough. But hey ho, let's give it a try. Prepare for battle, we will crush the little blighters. Let's rally the troupes. 

And so they did. Lots, and I mean lots and lots, of pricks were dished out, everyone enthusiastically joined in. Well almost everyone. The future looked pretty good for a while. Just as a precaution, in case the pricks failed, they decided to lock everyone in their houses and make them wear a mask when they went outside. That should do the trick. Well maybe, but worth a try. 

The trouble was all this didn't stop the little bugs, if we were to believe the number crunching that went on behind closed doors. No, more drastic steps need to be taken. Another idea they came up with was why not make it a rule that the staff all had to partake in the prick programme. If they didn't want to they would automatically lose their job. That seems hardly fair. These caring angels are what keeps the NHS and care homes going. What happens if they decide they don't want the prick, and then face getting the sack. 

And so it happened. They went elsewhere to find alternative employment. So now, after the mass exodus, there aren't enough staff left to look after everyone who needs help with their health matters. 

Swishi now has the job of sorting this mess out. I don't hold out much hope for him. He will never have to worry about his own and his family's health. He will never find himself on a waiting list for a hernia operation. Now I believe he is playing with an idea to address the shortage of health workers, but he apparently doesn't want to say much about it at the moment. 

And now the solution. It is obvious to me that there are huge numbers of fit and able bodied people, mostly men, landing on our shores. They could be trained up to fill the vacancies. It would take them off the streets and give them something to look forward to. They would be so busy learning a new trade they wouldn't have time to mooch around looking for a punch up, and eyeing up pretty young women. The surge of male testosterone can be a curse if there is a shortage of willing participants. If we haven't got enough of these overseas visitors to fill the jobs, we could always bring in some more. 

I think my idea is pretty good, it might work. We have vacancies in all sectors of the workplace, not just the NHS and care homes. We have an excess of visitors, why not marry the two together. Ooops, I think Swishi might have trumped me on this one, I have just read the article. He is already toying with this idea. Bugger. 

This is Nellie signing off for the weekend. I hope you have enjoyed my contribution to this wonderful blog. Thank you to ilona for inviting me back. We will meet again. 

Nellie Knowitall.

80 comments:

  1. There are staff shortages in the US as well and patients are the ones suffering. I recently had knee replacement then 3 days later was readmitted due to being sick from the medications. My emergency room experience was a joke. Worst part was a man begging for a nurse to help him use the bathroom and no one around to help him. This happened at a prominent hospital in my area. After I came home I thought about it and called the hospital to tell them about my experience.

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    1. I am also in the U.S. In June I almost died but the emergency room doctor and specialist surgeon on call (on a Sunday) saved my life - with the help of God of course. When asked by the paramedics which hospital they should take me to, I’m glad that I had the sense to say the “better” hospital even though it was further away. I’m lucky that in my suburban/urban area we have a lot of choice and many excellent medical facilities.

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    2. This is a world wide problem Lee Ann. Knocking out pills is an easy way to deal with the actual problem.

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    3. I'm glad it worked out ok for you, Anonymous reader.

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  2. I recently heard directly from someone that her very seriously ill husband was sent home for her to care for - she was shocked to see blood on him - apparently there was no nurse on his ward free to clean him - I would vote for Nellie to be Prime minister - she would I'm sure be better x

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    1. Not a nice story, flis. There are possibly many more like that.

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  3. I have heard it said that the more lies he tells the shorter his trousers get. H x

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    1. Yes, I heard that Helen. He looks like a little boy on his first day at school wearing hand me downs.

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  4. You've written this very long post without mentioning the one real reason we have a shortage, PAY.

    So instead of making the care sector pay a higher wage in order to attract (and retain) staff you instead think we should fill these positions (which provide intimate care to vulnerable people) to random people regardless of whether they are suitable for the post or have the necessary skills, whilst continuing to pay a wage people can't live on.

    Ridiculous post even by your low standards. No wonder you joke by not wanting to put your name to it.

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    1. All Nellie did was to repeat a story which was in the national press. Did you click on the link? Have you not cottoned on to the fact that we are the same person?

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  5. I think Nellie is just wonderful….as are you

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    1. Thank you Anon, so do I. I will ask her back. It seems she has some fans here.

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  6. Nellie Knowall ‘s comments show
    racist undertones and she shows little understanding or sympathy for anyone who is immune compromised.


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    1. Hello nurse. Did you read the article? Nellie was just repeating a news item that is in the national press.

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  7. As a carer of many years I found this post both disrespectful to those working in the profession and offensive. Not sure if you meant to do that?

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    1. Hello Jill. In the words of Katie Hopkins, I don't give offence, you chose to take it.

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  8. Oh Nellie is just as smart as they come. She gets to the point, no questions asked and no wondering what she meant. Keep telling them Nellie!!!

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    1. You've got to be a long time reader here to know that Nellie has a simplistic way of telling it like it is. A rare talent indeed.

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  9. I've nursed for 22 years and have seen all the changes. I keep hearing of this shortage and it's true there is a shortage of jobs that people want. Most new nurses don't have guaranteed hours but are hired as "casuals", no shift pattern, no benefits, no pension. Same goes for care aides.

    As a result many new nurses opt to go casual because they can pick what shifts they want to work. They want to work Monday to Friday, day shift hours. They don't want to work evenings, nights and weekends. They don't want to work on the medicine units or care homes, they want clinics, outpatient units, the jobs that nurses with 15 plus years of experience aim for.

    Hiring your "new arrivals" isn't the answer either. I've seen it in my health system. Allowances are made for poor English communication skills, poor attitudes, and behaviours that have never been tolerated before. I see it in my professional bodies reports. The complaints/actions against staff are
    90 percent "new arrivals" who are given priority in the training programmes.

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    1. Hello 50 and counting. You paint a very bleak picture there of the health system. I don't know if Swishi is going to pull this one off. I feel he might have some opposition.

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  10. Gday from Australia, and the great state of Victoria, wow reading that post, its the same here with our health system, so many staff shortages for exactly the same reasons, solution recruit from overseas and also offer free places to study at university to become a nurse, that only takes 3 years, we had 32 people die in this state in the last year waiting for an ambulance as there are not enough of those, or people could not get thru on the phone to get an ambulance as not enough staff to answer the phones, state election this coming weekend and all of a sudden millions upon millions of dollars available to alledgedly fix the broken health system, ha if you believe that you also believe in faries, that was a wonderful post from Nellie, cheers to all and have a great day
    regards Elizabeth from Aus.

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    1. Thank you for your contribution, Elizabeth. I'm glad you liked it.

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  11. Nellie you are just brilliant!

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    1. Yes, she is, isn't she. I don't know what I would do without her. Do you have a name Anonymous?

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  12. So nothing to do with crap rates of pay and poor working conditions?

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    1. Hello Sarah. I reported on the article. There was no mention of that.

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  13. Another one here voting for Nellie.

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    1. Wow, a lot of Anons on tonight. Nellie for PM.

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  14. What wise words she speaks

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    1. Hello Anon. She does. With no prompting from me.

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  15. Oh look Ilona making up fake comments in reply to her own post. How sad. You've been rumbled.

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    1. You've given yourself away here. Thanks for all those comments. Your keyboard must be red hot.

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  16. Control and power is what it is about. Nellie has called this one

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  17. Google comms (Youtube)20 November 2022 at 22:31

    Hope you enjoyed the recent cheque we sent you

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    1. It hasn't arrived. When did you post it? You don't give up do you, ha ha.

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  18. Swishi is from the party that you voted for, so how dumb does that make you lol

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    1. Hello Anonymous. As dumb as fuck for believing their lies.

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  19. Everyone loves Nellie

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    Replies
    1. I do, I think she is great. If you tell me your name I will become your friend.

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  20. My goodness, unbelievable that people actually think Nellie is smart . Says things she’d like to true and makes up the rest

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    1. In this post she said things that are actually true. It's in the Daily Mirror link I included. Please tell me your name.

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    2. You mean the Mirror article that literally at the end has a comment from the government:

      "A Government spokesperson said: “The UK cannot rely solely on overseas labour.

      “Employers must also make long term investments in the UK domestic workforce.”

      Maybe you need to read Ilona. You've just proved you're not too bright.

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    3. These Anonymous bods are getting everywhere. Scaredy pants who are too frightened to give a name. Here's a Sky News article of a similar nature for you to pick to bits. It seems you are stuck in throwing insults about mode.
      https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/more-immigration-needed-to-fill-jobs-and-boost-growth-cbi-to-tell-sunak/ar-AA14lI6G?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=d5e1b2efd5cf4bb584b88c3c4572f2b6

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  21. I think we should return to the old days where people out of work were sent to fill vacancies on a temporary basis by the Labour Exchange.If they got on well they were often given permanent jobs. My grandfather was sent to the docks after a career in the Royal Navy submarines ended. He loved it and was unloading the first bananas from a ship. They were all given a bunch of bananas to bring home. He stood at his gate and gave them to passing school children on their way home. They hadn't seen bananas before because of the war. He stayed at the docks until he retired.
    Everyone in good health should be given a job including asylum seekers etc. If they refuse it without good reason money should stop and food coupons only should be given. Too many now not intending to ever work while there's staff shortages everywhere and fruit, veg etc rotting in the fields, businesses, care homes closing etc through staff shortages.

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  22. Sorry forgot to put my name it's Sally from Devon

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    1. Thank you Sally. You make some valid common sense solutions.

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  23. This needs to be said, your post is disrespectful but you probably don’t realise this because of your strange views and limited understanding. So typical of someone who thinks they know it all but actually knows very little

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    1. No Brownie points for someone who does not put a name to their words.

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  24. I’ve just read Nellie Know It All’s older post about money saving tips. She has some good tips but sadly, doesn’t say things in a positive way. Less of the “put downs”about how other people live would be a better way to get her message across .
    Too condescending for me.
    Skip the the superior, know it all attitude
    and just concentrate on providing good advice. Stop telling people what they should do and just tell us what you do .

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    1. You have no right to tell me what to put in my blog. If you don't like it stay away. What is your name by the way?

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  25. OMG
    Can I say that here Nellie ?
    Your money saving tips are so insulting.
    I try to live a green and sustainable life but I don’t go round making derogatory comments about how others live.
    I didn’t find your post funny




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    1. Your sense of humour has left the building. What is your name please?

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  26. What an insult to those of us working in NHS and aged care ?

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    1. You insult me by not identifying yourself.

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  27. “Pricks “
    Don’t you mean vaccines ?
    How insulting to those of us who believe in vaccinations ?
    You obviously, so don’t dish out insults by referring to them in this manner
    How rude !

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    1. I believe in vaccinations, just not this one.

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  28. This post shows you don't have much knowledge of the care sector or its problems?

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    1. Your comment shows you are afraid of putting your name to your words.

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  29. HELLO, New reader here ploughing through a lot of posts
    I found this post ‘tongue in cheek humour’. I found it funny not to be taken too seriously. Ilona is entitled to have an opinion as do I/you. i’m not sure why people don’t like or get so upset by free speech difference of opinions. if I don’t like a post I don’t read it.
    in the words of Ricky Gervais, ‘If you don’t believe in free speech for people who you disagree with, and even hate for what they stand for, then you don’t believe in free speech’.
    Free Speech def The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.
    Micky from Derby ( not too far from your home town Ilona)
    ps enjoying your posts by the way
    I might disagree, of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

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    1. Hello Micky. Welcome. As you can see there are a many different viewpoints expressed on this topic. I note that some of them are quite rude. It's the way the world is going unfortunately. You are right, it is a 'tongue in cheek' piece of writing. It is important to look at alternative ways of expressing an opinion, rather than get bogged down in a swamp of gloom and doom.

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    2. Very rude and quite insulting.
      As previously stated enjoying reading the blog and especially enjoyed reading the ‘research section’.
      i’m loving your outlook on life and your no nonsense approach. I would also like to add that due to your outlook on life, i’ve decided to buy a pair of walking boots and get out into the countryside. I live fairly close to the peak district so there really is no excuse.
      I can honestly say like yourself that i’m very much one of those that questions everything and very much wide awake.
      thank you for replying and keep up the good work
      Micky

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    3. Micky you live in the best place for walking. The Peak District is great. A small rucksack on your back with a drink and a snack and you are all set to go.

      Micky, life can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. The English language is being butchered at the moment. Such a lot of gobbledygook is spouted. Just pick out the important bits which resonates with you. Discard the rest.

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  30. Wow! Fairly new subscriber here. Commented a couple/few times already. Lots of good thoughts from Ms. Nellie. Some good points in the comments. AND, some of the comments make me think the troll/ trolls is/are back.

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    1. Hello Edith. The trolls never went away. They hover overhead, waiting to dive in and pick the carcass dry. It's in their nature, they can't help themselves.

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    2. I thought I read in a previous post that you were just going to delete posts that you consider “troll” posts and not comment further?

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    3. Anon. Do not ever think you know what is going on in my mind, because you don't. Get on with your own life. You are missing out on so much by wasting your time stalking me.

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    4. I wouldn’t dream of trying to understand what is going on in your mind. I was referring to one of your previous blog posts where you said you would just delete “troll” comments and not even mention them. At the time I did wonder if you would be able to do that…looks like I was proved correct. Perhaps Mean queen should change her name to DramaQueen.

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    5. Back again I see. More time wasting. Did you read the statement at the bottom.

      Comments are moderated. If I don't like what you say, you won't get published.

      I will publish comments when I either want to reply, or if they give me a laugh. The people who keep coming back for a verbal punch up make me laugh.

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  31. Replies
    1. Sorry, I am not understanding your comment. Please explain. Do you have a name?

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    2. Oh Nellie is just so super - says it like it is. long live Nellie

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  32. Thank god smelly nellie or ilona the moaner aren't in charge.

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    1. You should spell God with a capital G. That's disrespectful.

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  33. Oh dear Ilona - I'm sorry that you had such unpleasant anons visiting recently - I for one agree with most of Nellie and. your views - Rock on x

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    1. It happens flis. The only way to cope is rise above it.

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  34. Isn´t it amazing that so many stupid and rude people are out there? One can only hope that one never will have to deal with them in real life.
    Nellie really brings everything to the point with a fine sense of humour. And there are a lot of good comments.
    I reread Nellie´s saving tips. They are hilarious, and very true at the same time.
    Hilde in Germany

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    1. There seems to be no end to it, Hilde. Rudeness is the new pandemic.

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