Covid-19, one year on: Mary Andaquig
To mark the one year anniversary of the pandemic, members of Team UHDB are sharing their thoughts and reflections of their personal and work lives during Covid-19.
The pandemic will have had a very different impact on each and every one of us, so the one year anniversary since we started to see the first inpatients admitted is a good opportunity to reflect on the year gone and to look forward.
Today, Staff Nurse on Ward 7 at Queen’s Hospital Burton, Mary Andaquig, shares one thing she wants to take forward, one thing she wants to leave behind and one thing she’s looking forward to one year on from the beginning of the pandemic:
One thing I want to take forward…
It's been hard to see how people suffers from this disease; how they struggle breathing, being on oxygen, getting very weak, not be able to eat and drink and do what they normally do. I cannot find the words, it's just really hard and heart breaking. Many have survived but sadly some passed away. I try to be positive most of the time, this is not the time to be weak. I try to do my best, but I did feel that it was not enough.
The teamwork that we had during these difficult times, the support from my colleagues, the fighting spirit that each and every one carries as we face this battle and that one day we will overcome. The smiles and laughter that we all shared, despite what is going on around us and no matter how hard it is, we still managed to put a smile to our faces every time we go to work. These are just some of the positive traits our team has showed during the pandemic. Hand in hand together, we continue to face this battle. It's a war that you never know if you are winning or not, it's just unpredictable.
One thing I want to leave behind…
I want to leave behind the pandemic itself. It has created a huge impact all around the world, to each and every one of us. I want to move on and bring forward the lessons that I have learned from this experience.
One thing I am looking forward to…
I am looking forward that one day everything is back to normal. It may still be a long journey, but in the end, it will be a success for all of us. I will continue to serve, to do my best and always be proud of my profession.