HOSPITAL STAFF KEEP POSITIVE MINDFRAME
HOSPITAL staff have told of their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic – sometimes being the only person a patient has to chat to, and putting their own health concerns aside to carry out their job.
Photographs taken inside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow show a range of NHS workers, from domestics to staff nurses, hard at work as they cared for patients.
Some staff spoke of a “light at the end of the tunnel” and urged people to follow the rules.
Mum-of-two Stephanie Todman, 33, a staff nurse who works in theatre recovery, said: “As a Type 1 Diabetic and mum-of-two I am acutely aware of the risks associated with working during the pandemic.
“However, my colleagues and I put these concerns aside and continue to care for our patients during these scary and uncertain times.”
Speech and language therapist Rachael Matthews, 30, added: “It’s been a challenging time but hopefully there’s light at the end of the tunnel now. Keep following the rules as we want you to be able to visit your loved ones as soon as possible.”
Domestic worker Scott Boardman said: “I feel the patients are like a second family as I’m the only visitor some get on a daily basis due to no visitors in the current climate.
“I have a lot of long-term patients who I enjoy having a bit of banter with to pass the time of day and to put a smile on their faces.”
Staff nurse Amy Wood said: “The uncertainty was difficult, especially at the start when everything changed so quickly.
“Everyone pulled together and supported each other though, which was great to be a part of.”
Kate Hill, 41, an acute services practice development nurse, said: “It is a really challenging and difficult situation for all staff in the NHS, however, they have worked collaboratively to provide excellent care for patients.”
Graeme Condie, 37, travel plan officer, added: “Despite the additional pressures and workload during the pandemic, a real positive for our department has been the increase in appetite from a wide range of staff to move towards a more sustainable form of regular travel to their work.”