Frontline staff adapting quckly to ‘new norm’ in face of crisis
IT’S been a baptism of fire on the maternity unit for student midwife Sarah McCormack, who is just a month into her six-month placement in Drogheda.
The Dundalk native is in her final year, and is working through an unprecedented time in the hospital.
“It is very stressful and we would be at high risk to taking the virus home to one of our own, so we’re all taking extra precautions,” says Sarah, who is mum to a toddler, and whose partner Simon is also a frontline worker, for Bus Eireann. “We’ve all really banded together though, as it is hard not to talk about it all the time, and all the mums are so anxious, but we are able to spend more time with them too, which is back to what we’re supposed to do.
“Something as simple as a cuddle can make a huge difference, and I think the mothers are enjoying the quiet time with their babies.”
Also quieter than usual is the Gynae ward, which is only looking after emergency procedures.
“We have put some procedures on hold, but in others ways, it’s business as usual, but there are times when it is much harder not to allow someone to be there with the patients,” explains Health Care Assistant Tracy Hines. “When it comes to something like a miscarriage, it is hard when a partner or visitor isn’t there, and we provide the same level of care, but we try to go a bit further, and hold their hand, or just be there.”
She says the atmosphere in the ward is remarkable, with everyone looking out for each other.
“These are testing times, but we are a great bunch, and the amount of support coming from the people of the town too has been uplifting,” says Tracy, who lives in Dundalk with her family. “But no more food please! We can’t get out to walk it all off!”
Dr Rebecca Moore is a Specialist Registrar in Obstetrics in Gynaecology and has been working in the Lourdes since January.
“The atmosphere is undoubtedly different within the hospital but everyone is adapting to the new ‘normal’ and the support from managers, colleagues and the community has been fantastic,” says Rebecca.
!It can be overwhelming with new guidelines and information available weekly and sometimes daily, along with the constant news and social media updates. We have to filter this information and ensure that all relevant evidence based precautions and guidelines for the maternity setting are being implemented and followed. Like everyone else we then have to try and switch off from it all as we return home to our families”.