Celebrating our amazing NHS: Chesterfield matron who was hospitalised with coronavirus and cared for by her own colleagues shares her story

Everyone in Derbyshire is full of pride, admiration and thanks for everything all those in the NHS have done – and continue to do – during the pandemic.

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At Chesterfield Royal Hospital, more than 200 people have sadly died with the virus since March.

But around 600 Covid patients have been able to return home after being treated by staff at the hospital.

They have, of course, helped many thousands of people with other illnesses as well.

Vicky Turner, matron of Markham ward at the Royal, said nobody at the hospital could ever have imagined that they would be dealing with a pandemic in 2020.

“As a trust we’ve experienced some very challenging times this year but also pulled together to help each other through it and even experienced some good times and raised a few smiles,” she said.

“We’re still fighting this disease so that we can help others to go home to their loved ones but some are not so fortunate.

“Losing a patient is very upsetting and as nurses we all try and remain professional.

“However, we’ve all cried with a patient, especially at times when their loved ones cannot come to the hospital to visit – or we have helped them to make a video call and shared all their emotions which is extremely difficult.

“The pressures on all NHS staff have been immense – but we have amazing teams at the Royal and the camaraderie is incredible with everyone looking out for each other.”

During the first wave, Vicky herself was diagnosed with Covid and hospitalised in the Royal.

She said: “It was a frightening time, seeing it from the other side, but all the staff who cared for me were outstanding.

“I was cared for by my own nursing and medical team and I was in awe watching from the sidelines.

“I was bursting with pride to think I work here and they were all amazing.

“I do not think I will ever be able to thank this hospital enough and it was very reassuring as a patient.”

Vicky believes Covid vaccines will help to get the country ‘back to some kind of normality’ in 2021.

“We all need to be responsible and help the nation to heal,” she added.

Angie Smithson, chief executive at the Royal, offered her reflections on the past year.

She said: “I couldn’t be more proud of every single member of our staff – those in our primary care practices, our community bases, our hospital wards and departments and our support services.

“They have worked so incredibly hard throughout this unprecedented year in the NHS to provide exceptional care for all our patients and just as importantly to look after each other.

“It’s definitely been tough at times and no doubt we will see more challenges for a while to come.

“We continue to deal with Covid cases and the ‘normal‘ demand for care we see at this time of year.

“We are also running the routine services paused at the start of the pandemic.

“The phenomenal team spirit I see every day is enabling us to meet all of these demands.

“I am thankful it exists because it really does help to keep everyone going and services running.”

She added: “All of us are grateful for the support we receive from people in our local communities.

“Throughout this year they have given so generously – gifts and donations that have been appreciated by everyone.

“It is often the words of thanks that have had the biggest impact, though.

“In 2020, more than ever, the handwritten cards and letters we have received remind all of us of the difference we make.

“You can imagine we have read heartbreaking and uplifting stories in equal measure – and all paying tribute to our staff and their valuable work.”

Angie said staff at the Royal head into the end of this year as they started.

“We will continue to work hard to keep our patients well cared for and to look after our staff,” she added.

“We would like to pass on our thanks to everyone out there for supporting us – and our appreciations for everything they are doing to people safe and protected.”

Matt Tacey, a lead nurse based in Chesterfield, said 2020 will ‘live in our memories for years to come’.

“This year has highlighted how precious life is and how important the NHS is to us all,” he said.

“We first heard of Covid early in 2020 but it was in March, with cases rising rapidly in the UK, that the Government took drastic action to protect the vulnerable and protect the NHS – lockdown.

“Beds were filling quickly and staff were becoming increasingly distressed.

“Staff in tears was common, staff feeling scared was common and the death toll increasing became sadly common.

“Despite Covid, our communities came together.

“Clap for Carers on Thursday evenings helped more than people will ever know – I stood on my doorstep, heart filling with pride, eyes filling with tears, ever so grateful for the continued support.

“2021 is just around the corner and the vaccine for Covid has begun – the road to normality now appears less foggy.

“Let’s never forget the efforts we all made during 2020.

“We have been brave and courageous to ensure we win the war against Covid and we can look forward to making memories with our loved ones again.

“The NHS has stood strong despite the immense pressure applied – and I’d like to thank everyone for their continued support.”

As this heartbreaking year draws to a close, let us all hope 2021 will be brighter.

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Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.