NHS past and future through the generations
By Ola Eni-Olotu
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, University Hospital Southampton
Joining the NHS at the start of the 1990s was a refreshing change for me, as a doctor trained in Nigeria. Being able to focus on a patient's medical needs, without a worry regarding their economic status. To offer treatment without having to consider what an individual patient can afford. This has brought a great fulfilment as I approach retirement this year.
Work was very busy then, with some 1 in 2 on call rotas and much less pay for additional hours of work. Sometimes, the senior house officer was earning less than the cleaner during the weekend on an hourly basis.
There was no active discouragement to our daughter Lola, not to go into medicine. We just hoped how busy we are – with both parents as doctors – was enough to warn the children of the reality of the profession. I believe the level of gratification from the vocation was enough encouragement. I am glad that workers’ rights have improved now, as my own child is about to start her own NHS career. Knowing that there is restriction in the number of hours she will be made to work per week. It is a gratifying career to be a doctor in the NHS. There is no need to make it an exhausting one.
By Lola Eni-Olotu
Final year medical student
At the time of writing this, I am about to begin my final year of medical school, at the cusp of finally starting my career as a junior doctor. Having spent most of my teen years pursuing entry into medical school and my entire adult life so far realising that goal, I’m incredibly excited to officially join the NHS workforce and begin contributing to patients’ care. While medical school has provided many opportunities to provide a helping hand throughout the patient journey – from clerking and presenting to doctors, to providing a listening ear to patients and relatives – becoming a doctor marks a turning point in my role where I can feel empowered to take on more responsibility. However, I can’t help but feel apprehensive in the face of systemic constraints on the NHS, namely exceedingly long waiting lists for vital services.
As eager as I am to help patients, at times I feel troubled by the lack of control that I will personally have in ensuring patients get the attention they need in good time. It’s difficult to know how things will change – and hopefully improve – for patients and NHS staff alike, but I do know that I can dedicate myself to making the most of the time I do have with patients. I hope to follow in the footsteps of my senior colleagues – my father included – by providing patients with comprehensive, holistic care, ensuring to treat them as a person rather than a presenting complaint.
While the idea of finally entering the medical workforce is slightly daunting, I feel comforted by the fact that collaboration is at the centre of how we work and that I will be able to learn from – and support – my future colleagues.