Belfast's Problem Patterns dedicate 'Who Do We Not Save?' to healthcare workers

Amidst their signing to Alcopop! Records, Belfast alternative band Problem Patterns have released new single 'Who Do We Not Save?'

"This song is about our frustration towards how the government has handled our public healthcare services," wrote the feminist punk band in a caption to their social media. "Years of cuts and the push towards privatisation is punishing the most vulnerable. We need to keep the HSC and NHS free and accessible to all. We simply cannot afford the alternative."

The lyrics of 'Who Do We Not Save?' are emblematic of this message, addressing how systematic attempts to privatise healthcare are impacting both the citizen and practitioner alike:

"We're one or two pay-checks away/ While they decide who they will save/ You and I are collateral damage/ We are all collateral damage."

The song comes out as health care workers in Northern Ireland continue to fight for pay and safer staffing levels, following a series workers strikes earlier this year. On their social media, the band thanked healthcare workers for "doing their best despite the pressure and outright dangerous circumstances."

 

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The track was released with a corresponding video, directed by the bands own Alanah Smith and edited by videographer Darren Hill.

"Fun fact," the band jested in their instagram caption, "we shot it on the same budget the actual NHS/HSC got this year!"

The music video maintains the riotous and punk feel of the song– first, depicting the four band members as comically chaotic EMT's as they ineptly try to save a patients life.

Then, the tone shifts and the four are suited up in a conference room, standing in front of a board that features the words "privatise" and "sell! sell! sell!" The corresponding lyrics are: "It won’t matter how long or badly you are aching/ They’ll gatekeep your health when there’s money to be making"

'Who Do We Not Save?" is now out on Bandcamp and other streaming services.