‘May I talk to you please?’ - Mark Xuereb

I walk – PPE-clad – into a medical ward to see a patient. A seasoned manager I’ve known for years approaches me: “Jimporta nkellmek naqra please?” (“May I talk to you please?”). Without hesitation, I usher her into an office. She bursts out into tears and I haven’t even shut the door yet. COVID-19 doesn’t only hurt our patients and loved ones. It also hurts our indefatigable staff. Haggard and clearly under pressure, the manager opens up. It’s not only COVID-19 but this is the cherry on the cake. Like all staff, she works tirelessly and ably in a team. She opens the floodgates, sharing her worries about seeing patients suffering, colleagues under pressure, her loved ones and other issues. Like so many, she works diligently and conscientiously, burning the midnight oil and the candle at both ends. She is not the first colleague in crisis, asking for support. These ad hoc crisis sessions are on the rise and occur in every area, be it administration, medical school, pantries, community clinics, police departments, government offices, elderly residences… the list goes on and on. These crises are visible for those who have eyes to see and for those who spare some compassion towards...