At midday today I had to go and see my local GP’s receptionist to try and sort out a communication problem with my diabetes blood test results.
When I arrived at the reception counter, there was a notice saying that at noon today, the practice would be holding a two-minute silence. I naturally thought this was out of respect for our dear queen. But it wasn’t.
This was to honour and pay respects to Dr Gail Milligan.
For those who may not have heard about this story, Dr Milligan was a partner at Camberley Health Centre in Surrey who sadly took her own life.
After reading this, and honouring the 2-minute silence, I returned home and read up some more information about this poor doctor.
I think we often forget that our doctors are only humans too. They have had to endure the horrors of Covid along with many healthcare professionals. Back in 2017, the Independent newspaper published an article named, “NHS doctors turning to substance abuse amid rising levels of stress and burnout”
I think we often forget that with the increased pressures upon our health service, these pressures are causing staff to leave the profession and those who remain are being expected to take up the slack. These mental health stresses are contributing to a possible mental burnout for some.
We can all try and do what we can to help by being more understanding, and less demanding.
Written by
Richard-Allen
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Richard, my closest friends daughter is an NHS doctor and I know she is seriously thinks she has made a wrong choice in her profession.
She is the loveliest girl but the stress, exhaustion and extremely demanding job with very long hours take their toll.
She has recently been talking to her Mum about the number of medics who have taken their own life and I know her Mum gets very worried when she talks like this.
You are right about remembering that they too are humans who go to work to do the best they can and save lives when that is needed.
More understanding is fine, less demanding is not. Feels like victime blaming to me. As though it's the patients' fault that doctors are stressed rather than the government's.
Extremely well written Richard. Our Doctors are there for us and the current situation is way out of their control. I cannot comprehend the immense stress all Surgeries are under. Thoughts to the family of the Doctor and the Surgery Team. Two minutes silence for her was extremely respectful.
over populated ! To many people not enough drs ! Enough is enough uk is close to bursting . We cannot save everyone & everything ! Our reapurces are pushed to the limits ! So many people are goimg to Die ! That xould be saved , due to lack of professionals , beds , ambulaves ,staff ... Ive been left & ovetlooked . Had a near fatal bleed last year ! I was let down by my hospital & my tean . I went away for the weekemd to bedfordshire ,had z massive ostophagus varacies bleed ! I was saved , just as i was told they were almost planning my funeral ! I truly believe if i had been at home i would be dead ! Mcr left me for 3 years to deteriorate . Lost 3 stone . Chronic pancreatitis ! This has led to extensive varacies which they was aware of . Didnt put me on sny beetablockers , nothikg ! I asked foe endoscopy which they agrres but would be 12 week ! In the meantimw i bled ! I had a blood clot by my portol vein that had ledt it !
I owe my life to Bedford Hospital .
I continued my treatment ( banding ) every 4 week at bedford . My partner drove me from manchester to have this procedure as i trusted Dr Jay so much ,still do !
Thank you for sharing this Richard, it certainly hits home just how hard the immense pressures, all of the NHS staff have endured and some more as the winter pressures build in the Hospitals, God love each and every one of them xx
sincere condolences to Dr Milligans family. It is heartbreaking for anyone to endure the loss of a life. However we are not enlightened to her personal life, therefore in my opinion, cannot ‘blame’ her chosen profession as to the circumstances of her suicide.
We are all entitled to care under the Nhs umbrella and I certainly am not demanding. I wonder if our Politicians use this same service as us who cannot afford private medical care?
I can only speak from my personal experiences and I have had good and bad encounters within the Gp Surgery and hospital system.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Just don’t feel the same since I was 13
Appointment 
How to resist 'drink pushers' during the festive season
