Smethwick medics share pandemic struggles and resilience

Healthcare workers at a hospital in Smethwick are reflecting on their challenging experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Sarb Clare shared that many medics faced a lot of death, including the loss of young people and colleagues. She highlighted the strong teamwork among staff, which helped them cope during this tough time. The pandemic brought immense pressure, with many staff feeling anxiety and fear. Senior sister Laura Harman described it as the most difficult period of her medical career. She had to move away from her family to protect them, which added to her stress. Harman witnessed fellow nurses experiencing panic attacks while donning personal protective equipment (PPE). The hospital served a community that struggled to isolate due to their essential jobs. Dr. Clare noted that some families suffered multiple losses. This situation was heartbreaking for the medical staff, who felt deeply affected by the challenges they faced. At the height of the pandemic, critical care capacity reached 350% of normal levels in the region, which was one of the hardest hit by COVID-19. Matron Noku Sileya emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating that sharing experiences with colleagues helped everyone endure the hardships. Looking forward, staff at the newly opened Midland Metropolitan University Hospital are optimistic about better future preparedness. Professor Jonathan Hulme explained that the new critical care unit features isolation rooms that will be crucial in handling future pandemics. They learned valuable lessons from their experiences during COVID-19, and the new facility is designed to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Clare, who received an MBE for her leadership during the pandemic, believes the new hospital will provide the best healthcare for the community. With enhanced facilities, the medical team is confident they can manage future health crises more effectively.