A NURSE has told of the emotional and mental strain staff are under in a Covid-19 ward at Darlington Hospital.
Eleanor Guy, 27, who lives and works in Darlington but who has family in Teesdale finished her last shift before taking a well earned rest at Easter.
She said: “I feel emotionally and mentally drained. I have never needed my week off more than I do now. I only wish it was to be going on our first family holiday of the year as planned. There are no words to describe the absolute brutality of this disease, other than absolutely heartbreaking.
“My hands hurt from washing and cleaning constantly. My eyes are sore from not being able to sleep properly and tears pretty much everyday.
“My face and ears hurt from the pressure of the protective masks and my heart is aching to see my daughter, family and friends, but it’s nothing really compared to what these poor patients and their families are having to go through.”
Ms Guy, who began work with the County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust five years ago, added: “Please, I’m begging you to just stay at home.
“My daughter, Jess, has been at her dad’s now for about three weeks due to the whole pandemic as we agreed it was one less risk due to me working in the environment. When we see people flouting the lockdown rules it just makes me feel very frustrated, especially after a tough shift.”
The experience is harrowing and Ms Guy admits she has double-checked her life insurance policy was up to date.
She added: “I went home after a night shift and sat there and made sure my death in service policy was up to date after hearing a 29-year-old nurse had passed away in Newcastle.
“I went to work that night and saw a couple of groups of kids hanging around near the local park – it just deflated me to be honest. I just wanted to pull over and tell them what I have seen, done, felt these past couple of weeks.”
However she thanked everyone who has joined in the 8pm claps and have sent deliveries to the hospital.
She said: “To each and every one of you, thank you. To those that have rainbows in your windows and have check in on me these past few weeks, it means the world.”
