NHSers - how are we doing / feeling? Calm before the storm?

[treebarking]

I'm in a low incidence area but even our covid ward has reopened with patients. No one on ITU but starting to see sicker covid patients coming in. Bigger regional hospital has a full unit already. No reduction in general admissions and if anything, they are more complex. Services were slowly getting back to normal, working through waiting lists etc but lags of 6 months for input. Infrastructure slowly going back to normal. Massive staff shortages as loads off with mental health sickness absence. Heating has gone on...hating mask life etc.

Today everyone suddenly realised that we might be going back to March or something similar. All the covid area processes again alongside running an acute service for non covid patients (as everyone won't stay at home this time round). Incorporating covid into the running of the hospital etc. Everyone has been in good spirits but today....really flat. Not sure we've got enough reserves to do it again.

We're therapies btw so go all over the hospital rather than ward based.

How is everyone else doing? Does anyone know what the plan is for the nightingales? 🤷‍♀️

[Boldlady]

Tired. Currently have 18 staff off with Covid and isolating. My ward has just been turned into a Covid ward. Staffing is atrocious. I don't think we have seen the worst yet, sadly.

[Motorina]

@drinkingwineoutofamug brilliant news! Well done you!

[StrugglingICUnurse]

I'm scared. Our ICU is full, the next ward also has ICU patients. I don't know how we are going to be able to protect the one last non-Covid patient.

We are running out of equipment and oxygen, I woke up after my night shifts having a panic attack about calculating oxygen draw. To get any more oxygen to ICU, they have to take it away from a ward.

[StrugglingICUnurse]

We are bringing old equipment out of retirement to cobble together more non-invasive ventilation; it's not as clever as newer machines and alarms more..
More patients awake, less fully sedated and ventilated which is of course good news.

[MarshmallowManiac]

Sending big big hugs to you all, you are all amazing people and I really appreciate all that you do. I am trying to do my little bit by staying at home (shielding) and wearing a mask at all times when I have to go out. Sending nothing but positive, encouraging vibes to you all. Just know that we are all thinking about you and thanking God for every last one of you. xx

[MarshmallowManiac]

Sorry typed grin instead of gin at the end of that