Patients who have recently been treated for coronavirus (COVID-19) at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust have shared their stories and words of appreciation to the staff who cared for them.
As they return to their daily lives, two patients discussed their experience of coronavirus (COVID-19) and their stay at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.
Mum-of-two Carmel Smith, 55, a school office manager from Waltham Abbey
Carmel said: “I first felt unwell on the afternoon of Saturday, 7 March. I hadn’t travelled anywhere previously or been in touch with anyone who had. I didn’t really know what was wrong, I just didn’t feel right. I went to bed early and the following day I still felt unwell with a bad headache, generally quite achy and it was hard to stay awake. I then just felt worse and worse with a temperature, vomiting and diarrhoea, a tight chest and a dry cough and I don’t remember the rest of that week much.
“On Saturday, 14 March, I was awake all night with the light and radio on, just to hear another voice. I felt so ill that I really didn’t know what to do with myself. The next day I spoke to my dad and he felt that I needed hospital care, but I kept hoping that I would feel better. I got to the point that I was struggling to walk 20 steps from my bedroom to the bathroom and I knew I needed help, so I called an ambulance. I was then admitted to The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.
“The first couple of days in hospital were a bit of a blur. I slept a lot, and was on oxygen and intravenous (IV) antibiotics. I was still achy everywhere, with an upset stomach and my chest hurt. I was quite tearful much of the time I was there. The days felt very long and the nights even longer.
“On the Wednesday after I was admitted, my mum was admitted to a different hospital, and two days later my dad and sister were admitted to another hospital. They were all were diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19). My brother was also ill at his home at that time with the same symptoms. I found it very difficult to deal with as by then the seriousness of the virus was really starting to sink in and I was convinced that I might not see my parents again, as both of them are in their 80s and have other health issues.
“Every single person who was involved with my care was amazingly supportive and caring. When I rang the bell for assistance, somebody came to me immediately, and nothing was too much trouble for anyone, ever. Every single person, from the cleaners to the consultant, were cheerful, attentive and reassuring. Although I felt like I’d been run over by a bus, I always felt that I was safe and being cared for. They are an amazing bunch of people who deserve every accolade they receive.
“I was well enough to be discharged home on Wednesday, 25 March. I am so glad to be home. Recovery is much slower than I anticipated. I still have the cough, although nowhere near what it was, and I am breathless on occasion. It’s taking me a long time to get my energy back, but I am feeling a little stronger each day. It’s been difficult to be away from my other family members who were still in hospital but thankfully after a rocky couple of weeks, my sister is home, my brother is on the mend and amazingly both my parents are also coming home now.
“I have had fantastic support from my daughters, all of my family, and friends who have called and checked in with me every day. It has really helped to know that I have a fabulous support network around me.
“I will be forever grateful to everyone at The Princess Alexandra Hospital for getting me through this time and to NHS staff everywhere for the amazing job they are doing in such stressful and heart-breaking conditions. Both ambulance crews – those who brought me in and those who brought me home again – were so caring, reassuring and comforting.
“It is impossible to single anyone out, but I would like to mention one nurse who offered to get in touch with the other hospitals for reassurance as to how my parents and sister were doing. It really touched me that he was willing to do that for me. My mum’s phone charger had stopped working and a nurse at her hospital went shopping after work and bought her a new one to make sure we could all keep in touch. It’s those extra above and beyond touches that have really stuck with me. Each and every one of them are fantastic and I will be clapping loudly for them again every Thursday night.
“Please everyone, follow the guidance and stay at home. Until this virus touches you or your family directly, you have no idea how scary it is, how sick you could feel and that there is a possibility that you or somebody you love could die.”
Mum-of-four Very Masire, 33, a nursery practitioner from Harlow
Very said: “Four weeks ago I began coughing and feeling cold. I had an infection at the time and was taking antibiotics.
“After a week, I felt worse, and needed to go to hospital, particularly as I have a chronic illness.
“I had a COVID-19 test, which came back positive. I was transferred to a ward to be treated. I received good care from the nurses and all the staff, God bless them.
“I was very scared due to my health condition, as I am having chemotherapy and physically I lost weight straight away as I couldn’t eat.
“All the staff were very friendly and supportive – they are working hard to save lives.
“I spent five days in the hospital, and was discharged last week. I am still recovering slowly as the symptoms persist because of my health issues. But day after day, I am recovering.
“I want to say a big thank you to my heroes at the hospital for their hard work and I encourage others to please follow all of the advice to stay at home to protect the NHS and help save lives.”
Sharon McNally, director of nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals, said: “We are so glad to see that Carmel and Very, alongside many other patients, are doing well in their recovery from coronavirus (COVID-19).
“It is fantastic to hear such high praise for our dedicated teams, who are working hard to support our patients. It means a great deal to our doctors, nurses and support staff to receive these words of gratitude.
“We encourage our patients to continue to get in touch and share thank you messages with our staff, as they are deeply appreciated.”
You can share your words of thanks with hospital staff by calling the patient experience team on
01279 827084 or emailing [email protected].