It’s like going to war ...reality of life on the NHS frontline
A HOSPITAL matron has told how life on the frontline against coronavirus is “like going to war”.
Sinead Hanton said she has to “pray for strength” as they battle Covid-19 in an intensive care unit.
But the star of BBC One documentary Hospital told this week’s Radio Times the tribute makes her spirits soar.
Sinead, who works at the Royal Free Hospital in north-west London, said: “Every time I hear or see the clapping, it makes me very, very emotional.
“We feel like we’re going to war, and every day I arrive at work I pray for strength to help me get through another day.
“On Thursday evenings I’m still at work. We open the window and listen to the clapping. There’s not a dry eye in the house.”
The Royal Free had seen 437 Covid-19 fatalities at the time of interview and Sinead, who has to isolate from her four-year-old son, after work, said she wanted people to get the “stay home” message.
She said: “Once this programme has aired, I think it will show people how important it is to distance themselves. It’s really important to get the message out.”
Meanwhile, a heartwarming image captures the bond between a Covid-19 patient and one of the staff who care for them.
Desperate
Friendly eyes meet above surgical masks, while hands covered in protective gloves can still offer a comforting touch.
Photographer Michael Gillen took the snap as part of a project to highlight the frontline work at the height of the crisis on April 28.
Forth Valley Royal Hospital, near Falkirk, Stirlingshire, has so far treated about 100 Covid-19 patients, with some two-thirds successfully discharged.
But staff have also had to manage desperate decisions including asking patients to pick just one next of kin to spend their final hours with.
Robin Bennie was convinced he was going to die after becoming ill with the virus while being treated for leukaemia.
The 63-year-old government statistician from Falkirk said: “For about a week I had a fever and then I noticed that I was getting a wee bit short of breath.
“It got to the stage that I couldn’t look after myself so I phoned the hospital and told them all this.
“When I came in, the first two days were quite rough and I wasn’t certain if I would live.
“I got a lot of tests done over time and then I was told they were confident that I had Covid-19.
“They gave me some oxygen to help me breathe but it’s not very pleasant as it dries up your nasal passages.”
Robin, who has since been discharged, added: “The nurses and auxiliaries, in fact all the staff, are really on the ball.
“Yes, I’ll admit when I came in I thought that I had completed my last climb.
“You have doubts but you hope for the best and pray to avoid the worst.”
Senior charge nurse Donna Read said the hospital was expecting an even higher toll from the virus. “It was very stressful,” she said. “We were expecting high numbers as seen in China and London.
“But this unit has had about 100 patients with two-thirds of those discharged safely. Forth Valley has been very successful in managing Covid-19.”
But she added: “People were dying and one of the most challenging parts was around communication. We were having difficult conversations with relatives, which normally take place face-to-face, over the phone.
“I found that quite challenging and quite upsetting at the time.
“Next of kin are allowed to come in to spend the last few hours with someone but even then they have to pick one person to come which isn’t easy.”