'The hardest part was overhearing video calls with family and friends' - Will on redeployment to critical care
I recently spent time in critical care at The Royal London Hospital looking after patients with Covid-19. It was physically draining. The shifts are long (12 hours), you’re always on your feet and my body ached towards the end.
I’m not used to seeing patients in a critical condition, so I found it emotionally challenging. The hardest part was overhearing video calls with family and friends because it humanised the patients, compared to caring for someone who is unconscious and that you’re unable to communicate with.
The ward I was on had more than 25 critically ill patients, but two weeks ago it wasn’t operational. Just coming to terms with that showed me how serious the situation was and made me feel much more aware of the scale and seriousness of the pandemic.
The staff, despite all the pressures, were very welcoming. If there was anything I didn’t know how to do, they were always willing to show me.
I was anxious about the PPE keeping me protected and about the emotional challenge of seeing the condition of the patients.
On PPE, I took my time to ensure I put it all on properly, that my mask was fitted properly and then re-checked the signs on the doors before entering to ensure I’d got everything on.
On the condition of the patients, I just tried to keep myself calm and steady my breathing if anything felt overwhelming, but I didn’t have a magic cure and at times it simply was just challenging.
I’ve only done two shifts so far and it took me a week to physically and mentally recover.
I have unparalleled respect and admiration for my colleagues who have been redeployed for weeks and months at a time, and for the critical care staff who are stretched beyond their wildest imaginations.
Will Procter is a trainee healthcare scientist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital who has been supporting the surge in Covid-19 admissions at The Royal London Hospital.
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