SWITCH OFF BEATEN THIS
headache. Loss of sense of taste. Over the next few days her symptoms get worse. Feeling as though the inside of her chest is burning. Coughing more. As I assess her, I know I am talking to Covid-19.
I know he is there. I’m reassured she is well, but I make sure I add her to my list of people I will follow up.will contact again to ensure they remain well, but just in case, I talk about calling for help if she needs it.
I wanted to be a doctor from a very early age. For everyone who works in the NHS, to us, it is more than “just” a job.
We all signed up to save lives and care for people.
I know that I may be sacrificing my own life being on the front line for the benefit of others, but I never expected to put the health and life of my child at risk because of that job.
I was told this week that I am “lucky” that my child can still go to school and have free childcare over the Easter holiday thanks to the amazing sacrifice of his school teachers. But I don’t feel lucky. I feel scared. As a mother I should be protecting my child. My instinct is to do everything I can to reduce his risk. But I can’t.
I have no choice. I have to work. I want to protect him and keep him at home but I signed up to saving lives. Saving lives of the many, not the few. And so every morning, along with my scrubs, I put on my smile for him. I keep the mood buoyant at home, and send him off nervously to school.
For those who still think I’m lucky, please think again. I’m not lucky but I am grateful.
Grateful to the teachers who keep the school open so I can work. Grateful to my family who lift me up when I feel sad.
Grateful to my friends who send me random messages of support. An email of thank you out of the blue, a message asking how I am. But remember, I am simply doing my job, just as you are.
We are all on the front line together and your job is just as important as mine. Your job is to stay at home. Your job is to reduce the spread.to make it easier for us to battle this virus.
Please stay at home. You really will save lives.
● Two nurses who died of Covid-19 were named on Friday as Areema Nasreen and Aimee O’rourke.