On the first anniversary of the UK going into lockdown, NHS staff reflect on the experiences of the last year and how they are hopeful for the future.
Jenny Cain is a senior sister at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and said the second wave was much harder than the first for her and her team.
“As time went on it became more fraught. The second wave around Christmas time until fairly recently was pretty horrendous.
“We had a lot of patients in and the sheer volume of patients was just massive.”
She said the last year had been difficult and had taken a real toll.
“It’s been difficult for us all but I think we have pulled together. My team have been fantastic.
“When you come every day and you’re donning and doffing the PPE it’s exhausting. It’s hot, it’s tiring, it’s just emotionally and physically draining.”
The hospital’s last COVID ward is being wound down now and she said she was hopeful it was coming to an end.
“It just feels great. I can see light at the end of the tunnel. It feels happy. The morale has lifted on the ward.
“It’s just so good to see so many fewer COVID patients coming through the door.”
Edited from BBC News Tyne & Wear website – article by Health correspondent for BBC Look North, Sharon Barbour
BBC News Tyne & Wear – COVID-19: Front-line workers reflect on the last year
