Covid-19, one year on: Tom Fonseka
*Tom’s mask free photo was taken prior to the introduction of social distancing and mask weating measures*
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, Clinical Fellow in Urology Tom Fonseka, 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…
When I was re-deployed to the Intensive Care Unit during the first wave of the pandemic, something that struck me was the amazing team work and collaboration between specialties. I would like to see this mutual respect and cooperation continue as we stay united in our efforts against the pandemic.
One thing I want to leave behind…
I would like to leave behind the term ‘social distancing’. Whilst we must remain physically distanced for the time-being, I think it is important to maintain our social connections and community.
One thing I am looking forward to…
We had just started a Christian doctors prayer group before the pandemic. As we could not meet in person during the pandemic, we converted it to a virtual format. Online meetings are useful, but I feel that nothing can replace the camaraderie that comes from seeing friends face-to-face. I’m looking forward to one day having the meetings in person.