Hello and happy new year from the Journal of Prescribing Practice (JPrP). I'm sure for many that sentiment feels like a stretch this year. Last year we had the hope of the COVID-19 vaccination program being firmly in place and restrictions beginning to be lifted. Alas, we find ourselves faced with a new variant, and a goal from the government to have every adult boosted by January 2022. Where once it felt like we were finally reaching dry land again, we now find ourselves back in the deepest of waters.
Thus far, I have done my best to keep my personal political opinions out of these editorials, to keep the focus on the work our incredible readers do, the challenges they face and the hurdles they have overcome. I do, however, find myself unable to do that this month. I think this issue goes beyond which way you choose to vote; it's about fundamental decency. I'm sure you've seen the recent news of our political leaders engaging in Christmas celebrations last year, at the very time the public were being asked to follow stringent lockdown rules, and you were likely working around the clock to take care of the sick and vaccinate the public. It's been said over and over, but there really is one rule for them, and another for us. It's hard to overlook the clear lack of fundamental respect those in power show for the public and its healthcare workers. Even as the news broke about the Christmas party's the government had, Jacob Rees Mogg was filmed making fun of a potential investigation at another gathering, and the lack of social distancing and masks was once again more than apparent. My concern for whether the public will now follow the new measures the government has put in place, and the instructions to go get a booster vaccination, is running high. People have lost faith in our leaders, more so than ever, and their reluctance to follow the advice is going to be at an all-time high.
I'm sure many of you share my frustrations, it's a challenging time. It's hard to continue working under such difficult circumstances when those who are supposed to be guiding you show such disdain for the work you do. All I can say is I have no doubt the public are grateful, I know I am. Whether you're helping with the vaccination program, or fighting to keep day-to-day services of the NHS up and running, your work never goes unnoticed by those who need it. As someone who over 2021 required the NHS at times, it was always remarkable how despite the increased pressures it was under, its staff showed absolute professionalism and care. I can only thank you and hope you know you're appreciated.
Here at the journal, we've done our best to make sure the resources available to you remain at the highest quality possible, this is in no small part thanks to your contributions. A development we're excited about her at the journal is our new website going online. This will feature all of our online content in an easy to navigate format, and will be the new base of JPrP online. You can find it at www.prescribingpractice.com.
These coming months are going to be trying, and the relentlessness with which our circumstances change can be overwhelming, so please, if you can, find some time for yourselves, take a break and reflect on the great work you've already done. I hope 2022 proves to be more positive, and by the time the next New Years editorial comes around, we can focus on brighter and more exciting things. I myself can't wait to write an editorial that doesn't have COVID anywhere near it! Stay safe and good luck.