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What’s it like on being on the front line, how do you feel?
If I’m being honest, it's both a physically and emotionally challenging. The hours are long and the PPE is quite uncomfortable, of course I am forever grateful I have appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) but it is warm and the masks leave sores on your face. What I am finding most challenging is the fact I can’t smile at patients. Most of the patients coming through A+E are shocked and frightened and they don’t really listen to the words you say, so I find a reassuring smile the best way to keep patients calm and confident we are doing our best for them. The PPE prevents this and it can be a barrier between us, particularly if you’re dressed in the full ‘space suit’ PPE. Some of us on the ward have been attaching photos our smiley faces to the aprons so patients can see us for who we are. I also struggle sometimes when I know a patient isn’t going to do well and they don’t have their families around them. It upsets me that some people have to go through this without their loved ones by their bedside, even worse are those who don’t get the chance to say goodbye. I stayed with my patient for an hour after my shift had ended last week and let him tell me about his loving marriage with his wife and about each of his grandchildren. I couldn’t do much for him medically, but I could support him by making him feel less lonely and afraid.
What can we do to help the NHS why is this vital?
The single most important thing you can do is stay home. I know you’ve all heard that a million times, but it really is important. As the weather is heating up, and cabin fever is kicking in, it can be really tempting to spend more time out the home and in parks etc. Not many people get a chance to save a life, but staying home literally saves lives. It’s so worth in the long-run, we’ve got to protect the vulnerable in our community and protect our NHS.
Photo credit: Ellie Jade Photography