Monday 4th May 2020 – From the frontline

 6:03am high tide.

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING INSIDE AS MUCH AS IS POSSIBLE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Also remember to try swimming at different times of the day if possible and only exercise in pairs while maintaining 1.5m to 2m distance.

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You never know who you are swimming with when you swim with the B&B. So it should be no surprise that many B&Bers are also on the Covid frontline. 

I asked a few frontliners to comment on their experience with Covid.

Dr Jules

It’s certainly been an interesting time to be working as an Intensive Care Registrar. Our rosters got changed to cope with the anticipated surge and we sectioned off half of our unit with plans for further stages of escalation. But thankfully Covid 19 hasn’t been for us, what it has for so many other places in the world. So far anyway 🤞🤞🤞

I just can’t imagine what it must be like for the healthcare workers in London / New York / Italy / Spain etc….

Life for me is good. We have been lucky to still be able to swim (albeit only in twos, a very small sacrifice in the scale of things). And…. our bloggers have been AMAZING.

I, along with thousands of people around the world, have loved our ongoing daily connection. The creativity, commitment and dedication of our bloggers, especially during such challenging and sensitive times has been absolutely remarkable. Our B&B daily blogs have contributed enormously to a sense of ongoing connection, bringing a smile to so many people, many of whom are facing very challenging circumstances.

A massive thank you to our volunteer bloggers

Big love and thanks 💞🐬🐳

P.S. This was actually taken before the 2 person rule, but when social distancing was in place xx

 

 

Dr John

 

Alas at Concord Hospital I’m pleased to report that we have had very few cases…indeed only single figures. There has been a lot of planning with acquisition of extra PPE, increasing capacity of our ICU, determining how best to safely manage potentially infected patients, and emergency rosters to minimise staff to staff spread. But thankfully the storm has, as yet, not come. As such however I certainly don’t merit being hailed as a hero on the blog! 

Michele may have had more direct contact having been in the Emergency Department? 

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Dr Michele

 

The hospital is seeing many people for Covid testing but the usual emergencies are less over the last few weeks probably because people are not hurting themselves or getting infected with other viruses.

I have been trying to get in a swim when I can, socially distanced of course. Doing lots of online video chat after hours with friends and family. Also zoom yoga classes, online cards, zoom bookclub when not at work, stay safe everyone.

 

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Lyndal RN

 

Together we have all tackled the biggest challenge of our professional lives. We have learnt so much about COVID 19, ourselves and each other. We continue to be overwhelmed with the amazing generosity of a community that truly do have our backs. We know the battle is far from over but we do know that with the ongoing support and care from the community we will soon go back to a new kind of normal. 

We cannot wait to be able to give our Patients a cuddle when they need it or hold the hand of an old soul as they take their final breath. 

 

But we have also learnt to slow down and appreciate everything that is right in front of us and most of all each other. That will remain long after COVID 19 is gone.

My two darling daughters are staying with their grandparents in Tamworth at least until June.

 

 

 

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Sandy RN

 

This is about the only photo, taken recently of me, that looks like I might come across a virus!!!

I’m not very front line. Just a regular nurse doing my job!

I’m a bit more frontline now we’ve opened the cafe.

I’m a nurse during the week and at weekends a cafe owner/slave.

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Dr Patrick

 

To be honest it’s no biggy. I’m covered from head to toe in PPE so the chances of my picking up the infection at work in the COVID ward are pretty low. The people most deserving of your attention are the front-line staff in ED such as Michelle Franks,  Helen Gardner and Lyndall Keith. They see all comers from the get-go as they arrive in ED any one of which could be infected. The ED staff are at far higher risk of copping it.

Also, the patients with COVID or suspected of having COVID are completely isolated and unable to receive visitors which is pretty tough on them. The nurses in the COVID ward are there for entire shifts and at far greater risk than the likes of me. They are far more deserving of praise. Don’t forget the kitchen staff and cleaning staff too who are absolutely fantastic in difficult circumstances!

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Jac RN

 

I think the main thing about working during corona virus is that it’s the devil you know.. so if you treat it like that and protect yourself you should be ok. It has been very frustrating caring for corona patients as it takes so long getting the protective clothing on just to go and see the patients. But in doing that I’m being safe every time. I’m more likely to get corona going to the shops. I think it’s important to get outside and into the sunlight and stretch your legs so you don’t end up with any other conditions caused from sitting around the house too long 🏠

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Covid fashion for a surgeon/swimmer.

On behalf of all B&Bers a big shout out to all our frontliners for all that you do in fighting Covid 19.

 

 

 

Stay safe and keep social distancing.

Simon