To celebrate the International Nurses Day, we spoke to nurses at Newham Hospital about what life has been like for them during the past year, and what has kept them going during the worst pandemic in 100 years.

Petra Francis, Matron for Specialist Medicine, manages a team of 150 staff. She recalled what it was like when Covid-19 hit: “It was completely surreal. I just can’t describe it. I would go home exhausted and get straight into what I called my ”Covid pyjamas”. My husband would say ‘It’s only 4pm and you’re in your pyjamas, what’s going on?’ But that was all I was fit for outside of work.

“We worked flat out, seven days a week. I usually work five days, but I couldn’t leave staff, I had to be there.

“People were deteriorating and dying very quickly, and when the patient was receiving end of life care we worked really hard to make sure we could get loved ones up to the hospital to say their goodbyes.

“We suddenly went from four patients on the CPAP non-invasive ventilators to 20 so of course there was a shortage of staff. The team were incredibly hard working, I just couldn’t have asked for more.

“As a leader, I knew I had to be positive. And I had to make sure I was there, doing the things that I expected them to do. I made sure my team could always get hold of me.

“The nature of the virus meant we were all covered, we could only see each other’s eyes. It was distressing for us and the patients. There was one young man I remember, his eyes were so scared, and I was scared for him, that was awful not being able to see him properly.

“Throughout, we managed to keep human contact by writing greetings and positive messages on our aprons, displaying pictures of ourselves and our names prominently.

“One thing that helped was the donation of gift boxes from Barts charity for relatives of patients who died. They contained hearts and a poem but were also personalised with a handprint and a lock of the patient’s hair. It meant relatives at least had something of their loved one. “

So, what kept Petra and her team going?

“A lot of adrenalin. I felt low for a couple of months, but that period showed me how people are supporting each other, one day at a time. Patients have been amazing, too, and the donations from the community helped so much.”

All staff mentioned their appreciation for the support the hospital gave them through its Employee Wellbeing service. “We were given free hot food, recognition that we were doing a job where we had no time for shopping or to look after ourselves. We were given an extra day off – that’s what we need, time, it’s the most valuable thing.

“At first community nurses were switched to hospital, but that was not sustainable. So agency staff came in to fill the gaps and they have been brilliant.

“We want to thank the community in Newham. They have supported us at a time when they are losing their jobs, not seeing their loved ones, but they have still thought about us and supported us.”

Fiona Sarpong, Manager, Stratford Ward

“Life changed a lot. We had to adjust quickly, working closely with intensive care. We have our guidelines in the respiratory specialty, but treating patients with Covid was totally different.

“We just tried our best and got on with it. It was especially hard for families, patients couldn’t have visitors, but eventually we were able to connect them using iPads, it was a real challenge.

“Support came from my team and senior management. And I didn’t watch the news when I got home.

“Seeing the difference you make for patients is what keeps us going, being able to ensure that they have someone with them in their last minutes. That makes it worthwhile.

“I remember one elderly woman. She was not responding to CPAP and so we could not carry on that treatment.

“Decisions had to be taken about who would benefit most from the available equipment. That woman wanted younger people to be given a chance because she said she’d had a full life. I’m so glad we managed to get her together with her husband before she died. He died a few days later.

“Our team bond is stronger and we are more careful about appreciating family and friends. “

Shiblu Khan, Nursing Assistant, Stratford Ward

“As a father of three, I was aware of the risks. I went home and had to be socially distanced from my family. But there was no choice, you are doing something for yourself and also for your country.

“I am a Muslim and from my religious perspective, it’s a question of once you are in something you are fully committed, you stay there. I think staff should be given a souvenir or a special medal that their children can be proud of, something to say, ‘we were in it!’ “

Kuldip Kang, Sister, Heather Ward

“It started so suddenly, we were all on a very steep learning curve. The hardest part was patients not being able to say goodbye to loved ones. By the second wave we were better prepared. Throughout the whole time we worked as a team and shared everything – that will stay with us. It is what has kept us going. Life is calmer now, but I still have a fear that we are not out of this completely. We are still learning, and we still need to be vigilant.”

Prem Baboo, Stroke Information and Research Officer:

“As well as worrying about the patients we had to worry about ourselves, our families and colleagues. One positive experience was being redeployed to other parts of the Trust, learning new skills, getting to know different people, we gelled over time with staff outside of our own teams and that will benefit the Trust in the future. The wellbeing service provided by the hospital has helped, and team spirit kept us going. There is some degree of normality now, but we have learned lessons for the future, a major challenge is ensuring that patients have access to their loved ones.”

Prem Baboo, Gina Sidhu and Kuldip Kang © Sylvie Belbouab

Gina Sidhu, Healthcare Assistant, Heather ward:

Gina said: “At first, everyone was in shock, trying to help as much as we could. The worst part was losing people, not just patients but also colleagues, it was devastating. We gave each other a lot of support, started calling each other outside of work to check that we were all OK. And we were scared about passing it onto our families, we had to isolate at home. But the reward is when someone looks at you and says: ‘Thanks for saving my life’.

“We were teaching each other, working with other teams beyond our own wards. At first, the worst thing was patients who were frightened but not able to see family. At times we used our own phones to make sure they could stay in touch.

“We feel more recognised now by the public, patients appreciate nurses more than ever. We have been well supported by the hospital management. The extra day of annual leave is very welcome. “

Saleema Iqbal, nurse, Stratford Ward :

Saleema said: “I qualified early last year and had decided to take some time off then start work in June. But I was sitting on the sofa watching what was happening with Covid-19 on TV and decided that I had to start straight away, I wanted to help in any way I could. It has been a tough start to my career. There have been times when I have cried because a patient died, you get attached, it is the hardest part. But the wellbeing support provided by the hospital has been very helpful.”

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