RUH The stories behind our NHS heroes, in their own words

RAINBOW WARRIORS

We call them heroes, sing their praises, and clap for them on our doorsteps. Now it’s time we heard from them. The staff of the RUH tell us their own pandemic experiences and their plans for a working Christmas Photographs by Rich Howman; Words by Elsie Chadwick

The Forever Friends RUH Christmas Appeal has always been a vital source of funding for the hospital’s patients, families and staff. To help give us some insight in to the direct value of this appeal, we speak to four key staff from the hospital. Yes we call them angels, heroes and lifesavers, but they are also mothers, students, colleagues, and neighbours, all with their own story to tell.

Grace Mugagga, Critical Care nurse “I’ve been qualified as a registered nurse for nine months and this is my first role as a nurse. I’ve always wanted to do nursing, I just didn’t know what type so I’m so pleased that I have found my place in Critical Care.

“I studied at the University of the West of England (UWE) and did a seven week placement at the RUH in the Critical Care department. I had two mentors and they were very inspiring. I saw how they gave excellent care to the patients and I went home feeling that I had given it everything during those days.

“It was because of one of my mentors that I wanted to come back and work in this team. I saw how my mentor Jaz cared for her patients. She did everything with a smile even when she was having a tough day. She was so inspiring to me and such a good role model, and the unit gave me a really good foundation to build on my knowledge and skills. They gave me the time and support I needed.

“When I started here I was so excited to be working as a Critical Care nurse. But nothing prepared me for Covid-19. It was terrifying when we heard it was coming. I was worried about it but I thought that we are all in it together. I looked at everyone else working around me and how they were coping and we were all getting on with the job. By following all the advice and guidance, gradually I felt less anxious and just got on with it so I could care for my patients. I got to the point where I was looking forward to coming in and seeing my patients getting better and I felt that I wanted to give more.

“Going through Covid-19 there have been times when people asked if I would stay in my role, and the answer is always ‘yes’. I’m still smiling and that just confirms my dream is to have a career in Critical Care.”

Grace Mugagga says being a Critical Care nurse is her dream career

“I saw how my mentor Jaz cared for her patients. She did everything with a smile”

Forever Friends have launched their RUH Christmas Appeal

“As soon as I started here, I loved it and knew it was the right place for me”

Baz Harding-Clark, Orthopaedic Practitioner and Senior Health Care Assistant “I didn’t grow up wanting to go into nursing, but now I’ve been doing it for 17 years! I used to be a community youth and play worker, working with vulnerable young people. I then came to the RUH as a healthcare assistant on the cardiac ward in 2004.

“As soon as I started here, I loved it and knew it was the right place for me to be. When I joined I saw what the other wards were doing, which gave me an insight into the whole hospital. Mandy Rumble (now Head of Nursing but formerly the Emergency Department Matron) was always pestering me to further my career and work in ED. She finally got me to work there and I was funded to do a university course to become an Orthopaedic Practitioner. Considering I left school at 15 with no education at all, for me to go to university and get a diploma is amazing.

“Things are now a bit different with Covid. Before I can help a patient, I have to check that I have the right PPE, as well as everyone

above: Orthopaedic Practitioner Baz Harding-Clark attended university whilst at the RUH to get his diploma; left: Cleaner Maria Brinkworth takes time to get to know and chat to the patients

around me does. I love the management aspect of the job. Not only are you helping manage that patient’s life but you are managing the surrounding environment. For example, if a really poorly person is brought into the resuscitation unit from an ambulance, I’m immediately assessing what needs to be done.”

Maria Brinkworth, Cleaner, Haygarth Ward “It has been hard at work since the start of the pandemic. The job has got more time consuming. At breakfast time there always needs to be two of us to avoid cross contamination. We are washing our hands constantly, wearing gloves, changing PPE – though it does all become second nature once you have done it a few times. Together we work great as a team, and I have certainly made some friends for life whilst working here.

“Some days our patients might only see me for a chat. I like to spend time in the side rooms with our most poorly patients, chatting to them so they know that they are still a person, and not just a number. What I love about being a cleaner is I can give that little bit of extra to our patients. I even have a pot of nail varnish in my cupboard. If a patient is really sad, I might paint their nails to help cheer them up – if I have time of course.

“I used to work as a Dementia Support worker, but two years ago I moved to the RUH and started cleaning. Before that I was a stay at home mum – I have two boys. My eldest son has a rare bone disease, and my youngest has ADHD, so life can be quite mentally draining at times. When I started at the RUH, I was going to be a health care assistant, but then I got quite comfortable with the cleaning. I have found my balance in life and that is why I am so happy.

“I am working on Christmas Day this year. My teenage boys are growing up, so I thought, ‘I am needed elsewhere’.”

Senior Sister Niki Hartley had to self-isolate at home whilst working

Niki Hartley Senior Sister on Waterhouse Ward “The staff here make me really, really proud more than anything – how they go above and beyond every day. One example is when we had a homeless gentleman on the ward – one of the staff took his clothes home to wash and iron them for him. That might not seem like a big deal, but to that patient it meant the world. That action just shows how much they care. My team work so hard. There is no hesitation to provide cover when another staff member is sick, because they know our patients still need to be cared for.

“We have 13 diff erent nationalities on our team, so once a month we have a culture week where everyone brings in a dish from their own country. They bring in the most delicious food. But our good old cheese and pickle and scones with clotted cream have proved very popular too!

“Another example of how the staff really make a diff erence to our patients was when we threw a Remembrance Sunday party last year. I brought in a brigadier and a lady who had just retired from the Army. They came dressed in their uniforms and with all their medals to chat to the patients.

“It was so lovely to give them this opportunity as they couldn’t go to church and couldn’t make it down to the Atrium as they were too poorly. One of our staff crocheted them all a poppy. Frankie from the Art at the Heart team joined us and sang some war-time songs.

“The Covid pandemic had a huge impact on the hospital. It’s so diffi cult when patients aren’t allowed visitors. We use Facetime and the phone for them to keep in touch with their friends and relatives. We made a pledge to each other that we would never let anyone die alone – we managed to keep that promise, and will make it again this time.

“It had a big impact on my home life as well. Both my partner and I are key workers and we have a young son. If any of us got Covid it would have serious repercussions. During the fi rst wave I had to basically isolate within my own home. As soon as I got home I would have a shower. I washed my laundry separately, slept in the spare room and didn’t share a sofa with them. The toughest bit was not being able to put my son to bed or hug them.

“The pandemic has taught me to worry less about the little things, yet at the same time it has made me appreciate the smaller things in life.” ■

“Together we work great as a team”

Cosy up on the sofa and help raise funds for the RUH

WAYS YOU CAN HELP WITH THE RUH’S FOREVER FRIENDS CHRISTMAS APPEAL

MAKE A DIRECT DONATION This Christmas, rather than donating gifts such as toys and confectionery to patients and staff in the hospitals, Forever Friends ask that you consider making a cash donation instead.

KEEP IT COSY ON 16 DECEMBER Get your school, group or business ready to Keep It Cosy with some virtual fundraising events on 16 December. These could include a Zoom coffee morning or quiz, and a social bubble cosy camp-in with hot chocolate and your favourite Christmas movie.

STAFF CHRISTMAS HAMPER Help make this festive season special for staff working over the holidays by sponsoring a hamper for £150. For more: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk