‘It’s amazing what NHS staff are doing’
TRUST CHIEF PRAISES ‘AMAZING’ RESPONSE AT HOSPITALS
A HOSPITAL trust boss who has taken over the running of Northwick Park and Ealing hospitals has said he is “enormously impressed” with how the sites have responded to the coronavirus pandemic.
Chris Bown joined London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) as interim chief executive on March 30, following the retirement of Dame Jacqueline Docherty.
The trust chief, who will be leading the trust for the next 12 months, said the hospitals have got into a “rhythm” of tackling coronavirus, which has affected staff across all its hubs, including Central Middlesex Hospital, in Brent.
The trust began treating patients for coronavirus at Northwick Park, Harrow, on March 4, with others also treated at Ealing Hospital.
Although Central Middlesex does not have an intensive care unit or A&E department it has also started taking in some of the less seriously ill patients fighting the virus, as more and more local people became infected.
“We’re getting into a rhythm now around how we manage this, but I cannot say anything more than I’m enormously impressed with everybody’s efforts in tackling this. It’s been unique,” Mr Bown said.
“I’ve been in the NHS 30 years and I’ve never seen anything like this, no-one has. The NHS is good at reacting to difficult situations and this is the most difficult situation it has had in its history.”
According to Mr Bown the trust has discharged 523 coronavirus patients back home since the crisis began and, as of Friday April 17, 250 people are being treated for the disease across the three hospitals.
As of Friday April 17, the trust confirmed 364 patients had died from the virus.
“We are seeing people get better and there have seen sad deaths from this terrible disease, but our staff are doing absolutely everything in their power to look after the patients that come through our doors, at all three hospitals,” Mr Bown added.
Mr Bown says demand for Covid-19 treatment is starting to plateau but added his hospitals are not out of the woods yet
“We have seen high demand and we are seeing that plateau, although it’s early, absolutely too early, to say that’ll continue.”
The health boss welcomed the extension of the government lockdown, urging the public to continue following advice.
He said: “This is not government nonsense, this is life-saving stuff.
“You know that because many staff, doctors and nurses with Covid patients are wanting to stay away from their families during the time of this virus because they recognise the importance of social distancing, so [are] making enormous sacrifices.
“I would just encourage everyone to do what is being advised, it is just essential. So please, please stay indoors.”
He also praised the staff for going beyond their usual duties, learning new skills quickly, with everyone from HR to cleaners to clinicians committed to beating the virus.
“It’s just amazing what staff are doing – they’re working their butts off quite frankly,” Mr Bown said.
“It truly is humbling to see how staff have adjusted to working in different roles, doing things they’d never dream of doing.”
When taking up the role, Mr Bown was planning to focus on the trust’s financial challenges and improving its services, but the virus outbreak has meant all efforts have turned to dealing with the crisis.
“My absolute focus at the moment is responding to the pandemic,” he said.