‘I’ve young, fit and well patients that are probably going to die’ – consultant

ROYAL Gwent intensive care consultant Dr Ami Jones has given a no-holds-barred account of conditions at the hospital’s ITU as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The doctor, pictured, appeared on BBC Breakfast yesterday and told viewers that most of her patients are younger than she expected and are dying without family at their bedside due to the contagious nature of the Covid-19 virus.

“They are dying with nurses holding their hands,” said the army reservist who has been on tours to Afghanistan.

Dr Jones added that the department, which is in the high-coronavirus-cases stricken Aneurin Bevan Healthboard, has doubled its ITU capacity and was filled with: “Mainly young (people), much younger than I thought.

“You may think you’re young fit and well and it’s not going to affect you, but I’ve got young fit and well patients in my ITU that are probably going to die. We’ve never seen so many sick patients.”

She said many of her patients were in their thirties and forties.

“It’s very difficult to look at someone who could be you in a hospital bed, it makes you feel very mortal.”

Dr Jones admitted that 50% of those who came into the ITU they wouldn’t be able to save.

Those patients being treated for Covid-19 are also not allowed any visitors.

“We try and do voice calls/ video calls,” added Dr Jones. “(But) most of them are asleep on a ventilator.

“They are dying with the nurses holding their hands.”

She praised her fellow NHS staff while admitting that the current situation was taking its toll on her colleagues.

“It’s really tough, it’s taking an emotional toll on them.

“We almost feel like we are in it by ourselves. We know it’s our job and people will keep their heads high and keep going out their doors every day.”

Adding to the end of her interview the doctor reiterated the advice to stay home to prevent the spread of the virus.

“I can’t see a worse situation to put yourself in when you have a choice to not make that happen – just stay at home.”