CLAP FOR CARERS

March 2020

Barnsley Hospital bosses said they were hugely proud of all its nurses and never more so than when they were responding so bravely to the Covid-19 crisis.

There are so many different nursing roles in the hospital with nurses caring for, treating and supporting people from birth to the end of their lives. From emergency department nurses to those on respiratory, cancer, and care of the elderly wards, nurses worked incredibly hard to look after all patients as well as those affected with Covid-19.

Many nurses were doing their jobs in personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and visors. Even then, nurses were so innovative they still found ways to closely connect with patients and show how much they care.

James Dixon, Barnsley’s first Covid-19 patient to need intensive care, got to know his nurses through their name badges, height and shape. Whilst he was recovering at home, he said: “Because of the PPE I didn’t know the face of a single person who looked after me but now I know who they are. They are my absolute heroes.” Becky Hoskins, the hospital’s Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality, said: “Today and every day, we are grateful to our nurses who care for the people of Barnsley in all kinds of ways.

“Nurses and care staff continue to come to work, providing high quality care in circumstances we have never seen before.

“Retired nurses are also coming back into the profession to provide the care they have always given and student nurses are supporting our nursing teams.”

The celebrations for International Nursing Day were set to be extra special, and Covid-19 did not stop the hospital taking time to celebrate – with all the social distancing that implies. Barnsley Hospital joined nurses around the world to recognise the wonderful work they do.