Nurse describes “tireless work” of her and colleagues at Lewisham hospital, including regular 13-hour shifts

An intensive care nurse has described how hard her colleagues are having to work through the coronavirus pandemic, with the number of cases expected to reach their peak in the coming days.

Pauline Gordon worked 13-hour shifts from 7.30am at Lewisham Hospital three days in a row on March 27, 28 and 29 – and then slept most of the next day.

Even after that, she was still tired and had lost weight. But she still signed up to work over the following weekend in the intensive care unit at Harrow’s Northwick Park Hospital, the epicentre of coronavirus treatment.

Most of her time was spent caring for patients on ventilators to support their breathing, caused by suspected or confirmed coronavirus.

Pauline, who is also a Labour councillor representing Herne Hill ward in Lambeth, said: “The experience of looking after patients with coronavirus changed my perception of life.

“The virus does not discriminate. It can affect anybody, rich or poor, and can infect people of any age, class, race or creed.

“On Saturday when I started work I was worried about my own health, as I am a diabetic. We were on our feet for most of the shift; caring for patients who needed constant observation, recording vital signs like blood pulse pressure and respiration, as well as hourly checks on kidney function.

“But I am putting the welfare of my patients before my own and, like all NHS workers, I hope the government’s promise of an adequate supply of personal protective equipment will soon materialise.

“Wearing a protective mask all day made my face itch and become swollen.

“Staff worked tirelessly, so busy they could only snatch quick breaks during each shift. While at work, I found myself questioning if I was doing the right thing.

“Most of my colleagues felt the same. We comforted and reassured each other, and concluded that, like train and bus drivers, supermarket workers, carers, social workers, doctors and all those working hard during this time of crisis, we had to do our bit.”