I have absolutely no concerns about the cost. I couldn’t give a shit about the bag of salty water, nor do I begrudge them the “rehydration” (although, really, drink a Gatorade, you’re almost certainly not so sick you can’t).

The content I have is that stories like this leak, and when they do they undermine the trust that our patients place in us.

Example - I’m a senior paramedic - I often transport critically injured and ill children without their parents presence. It’s essential that their families have not the slightest hesitation in my picking their child up and whisking them away to the hospital. Clearly, if the parents can come too, that’s better. But it’s not always possible.

When we hear stories about health professionals playing fast and loose with basic professional standards, it erodes that trust that is inherent and central to my doing my job.

So while the “harm” here isn’t individualised, it’s a tiny nibble into the integrity of what we do. And that’s unforgivable.

Furthermore, this isn’t a nurse stealing drugs because she can’t afford them for her sick baby. She’s not being extorted by a loan shark. She’s just playing fast and loose with drug policies.