Fiona Bruce usually works as Deputy Sister on our respiratory ward, but has volunteered to work in our critical care department, which is much busier than usual due to the number of patients we are caring for who are critically ill with COVID-19. She joins thousands of other nurses across the country who are working in different ways to help provide the best care for patients during this national health emergency. We asked her to share her experience.
Fiona said: “I was a bit nervous about it at first, as I am not used to working in critical care, and dealing with patients with COVID-19 is new even for our critical care team. But I wanted to do whatever I could to help.
"It is very busy in our critical care department at the moment, and because everyone is wearing personal protective equipment it’s hard to recognise people at first. But the team was so supportive and grateful for the extra help, so I was made to feel very welcome."
During her first shift, Fiona worked under the supervision of a critical care nurse to care for a patient with COVID-19. She also helped with manoeuvring patients in neighbouring rooms.
“I did a couple of new things, but I was shown what to do by another nurse. At the end of the day, although it’s a different environment it’s just us stepping up to care for our patients where they need us at the moment. Although I was tired at the end of my first shift, I was glad to have been able to contribute to the hospital’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Our charitable appeal is aiming to raise vital funds for staff support, research, and patient welfare. Find out more about The Royal Papworth Hospital COVID-19 Appeal.