n d o t h y e e b
b o n i w a r by Chloe Harvey
B
eyond the rainbows, here’s the toll COVID took on an NHS worker. Rainbows. The UK loved to use them during the pandemic. They became a national symbol of appreciation for the NHS, tirelessly helping those suffering with
There were also ‘wobble rooms’ available for workers. Cullerne said, “we created [these] rooms which were a safe space where staff could go to have a break, drink, rest, cry or whatever time out they needed. In these rooms were drinks, snacks, and ‘positive notes’ that staff could read to one another.” COVID-19. How did workers balance their mental health with How did the pandemic affect healthcare staff, the ‘key their duties? Cullerne said that while access to support worker’ heroes in the darkness of a global catastrophe? services was provided, there seemed to be a shared Did the heart of the nation boost morale? As the nation mindset in staff. “I think atthe time we all worked on begins to gain a glimpse of life beyond the masks, an NHS ‘autopilot’ to get on with the job we had. There was a worker shares her thoughts. feeling that ‘we are all in this together,’ which encouraged During the pandemic, Tracey Cullerne was a Matron in everyone to work as a team - to deliver care and two Gloucestershire hospitals. “The unpredictability of do whatever was necessary to ensure patients were COVID was hard to cope with at times,” she said. “I was treated.” sometimes afraid I would catch [it], become incredibly Cullerne added: ‘It’s not until you take time to reflect sick and need hospital care. There was a risk I might on this that you start to consider the impact on yourself, notsurvive. If this happened, how would my family and your job and your family or friends. Looking after children cope?” yourself was encouraged by the Trust, however the She added - “I had staff that became very sick and true impact of COVID on the workforce is only now required Intensive Care support. I know I cried at this becoming more apparent.” point, as I knew I needed to come into work and support The ‘Clap for Carers’ was one small way the public my teams, knowing their friend and work colleague may applauded the NHS. A seemingly kind gesture, however, not survive. It was very scary and a real challenging time was criticised by some for being ‘hypocritical’. On this for all staff.” matter, Cullerne said: “many staff felt it raised awareness Staff were given help for their wellbeing when they felt of the importance of the NHS and how it’s always low, and not just through services. There was a 2020 Hub been taken for granted. It gave staff the opportunity to that signposted support and websites, such as counselling. see people that lived in their street for 10mins every NHS workers were also given a 50% subsidy on cafeteria Thursday.” Cullerne added: “some staff felt appreciated food, free parking, free sleep and relaxation apps. and said they felt it was uplifting and motivating.” u
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