The coronavirus pandemic has put unprecedented demands on the NHS workforce.
The University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is no different.
Staff nurse Syeda Ahmed, 23, who was born at Derriford Hospital and now works there on Stonehouse Ward, has explained what life has been like during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Syeda, who has been observing the daytime fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, talks about the “immense love” shown for health workers during the Thursday night Clap for Carers.
And her message to Plymouth is to “stay safe and strong”.
Syeda said: “This hardship will pass and we will become more stronger as a society and I hope we all care for each other.”
Here is Syeda's account of her experience in her own words, as part of a focus on the stories of people from diverse communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What has been your experience of working in the NHS during the period of Ramadan? Has this presented any challenges?
My experience in working for the NHS whilst fasting has been going really well, I must admit I haven’t really met many challenges whilst fasting.
In more general terms, how has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your role as a nurse? Have there been any particular challenges you have had to overcome?
There has been some anxiety in regards to COVID-19, but I feel very lucky whilst working on the surgical floor because there are plans to protect both staff and patients from COVID. Also receiving constant reassurance from the Trust and receiving daily updates about COVID has been very helpful.
Can you describe the "new normal" for your working life? How have patients responded to the challenges?
The ‘new normal’? I can definitely sympathise with my patients because of the restrictions to visiting, I can imagine it has made them feel lonely in the hospital setting. So it is so important to support your patients as much as you can and I know there have been new initiatives brought in to the Trust like sending cards to patients. Also sending thank you cards to staff members for supporting them as well has been a great initiative too.
What has been the effect on you personally of the challenges you and colleagues have been facing in Plymouth?
At first I felt anxious and a little bit nervous (like my colleagues) about the changes in the Trust such as certain departments having to temporarily close, move or combine with other departments. I have made sure to keep myself up-to-date with the COVID policies and of course with the new specialisms and staff members that joined our ward.
What kind of support has been available for you from managers/the trust/colleagues/family during this period?
My family have been very supportive whilst I work at the hospital by being there for me and praying for me. My manager and my colleagues have always been supportive by boosting morale on the ward and making sure we have access to any extra support if needed.
What has been the effect on you and your colleagues of the Thursday night clap for carers?
Myself and my colleagues have really appreciated the Thursday night clap for the carers, I even find it quite emotional because of the immense love that people are showing for us.
Is there any particular message you would like to pass on to the people of Plymouth and Devon?
Stay safe and strong everyone. This hardship will pass and we will become more stronger as a society and I hope we all care for each other.
What are your hopes for the future, both personally and professionally?
I hope that everyone learns from this and we don’t take the small things for granted.
