The COVID19 coronavirus pandemic is like nothing we have ever seen. We are all worried for ourselves and the people we love. This includes healthcare workers. Sharing these worries shows honesty and strength and reminds us of how connected we all are.
Some of us have already had COVID19, have recovered and are back at work. For most people it is a mild illness with recovery in 1-2 weeks. For a small proportion of people it is a serious illness. Some will need ICU care and some will die.
Our hospitals have transformed, with change happening at a rate never seen before. All NHS workers are showing incredible flexibility and creativity. We are working in new ways with new people. We are using skills developed over years and years of training and are absolutely up to the challenge.
We need your help to make sure we can cope with the rapidly rising number of people affected and needing hospital care. Please follow the guidance and wash your hands, sneeze into your elbow, don’t touch your face, limit contact with others and stay at home if you have a cough, fever or feel unwell. Don’t neglect your mental health - it’s really important to look after this too.
We will get through this together. Whilst we look after the sickest people in hospital we need you to look after each other out there. Connect with community groups and charities. Find ways to help by donating money if you can, or volunteering your time and talents. Drop a note into your neighbours. Spread love and kindness and be a light in the darkness.
Dr Laura Jane Smith is a Respiratory and Internal Medicine Consultant at Kings College Hospital, London. Her job makes her think a lot – about people, life, death, inequality and how things could be better and (time allowing) she blogs about her work.
@drlaurajane