Partone:EarlyDays The fear of the unknown

I remember, quite vividly, the day our Matron called that first meeting in our department to give us our first real insight into how the pandemic was developing and what that meant for us as Theatre staff

We had all been following the news and how the virus had travelled from Wuhan, China, across the continents into Europe and now into our capital cities

As she spoke to us all you could hear a pin drop and I remember thinking that everyone would be able to hear my pounding heart. I quickly realised that everyone in that room felt the same way and the fear of the unknown was on all of our faces. Some were unable to hold back their tears.

The message, although sensitively delivered, was quite clear. Elective surgery would cease and we as operating department practitioners and nurses were needed to support our ITU colleagues with our skills in airway management, positioning of patients, monitoring and equipment knowledge.

Despite how afraid I felt, I knew I would volunteer to do whatever I could to support. The following days and weeks were a flurry of learning new skills, practices and preparation as best we could with the ever changing environment and evidence we were faced with Despite this, no one was really prepared for the emotional challenges we were to face.

The devastating scenes and loss of life will stay with me forever A strange sense of loneliness but togetherness is a lasting memory of my work in ITU with colleagues from many professions and patients from every part of our community.

Looking back now, not only did I learn new skills and find a deeper appreciation for my fellow colleagues, but...

These are the things I want to take forward in a positive way to become a better health care professional, colleague and ally.

Angela Mcphee Anaesthetics and Recovery Team Surgical Business Unit