My name is Syeda and I’m a Staff Nurse on Stonehouse Ward. Between 23 April and 23 May I fasted for Ramadan. My experience of working for the NHS whilst fasting went really well and I must admit I didn’t really meet many challenges. I worked on the ward in the daytime during Eid, but then I was able to spend the rest of the day at home with my family. Usually I would visit my aunts and uncles and cousins, but this year I had to facetime them to wish them ‘Eid Mubarak’. 

My family has been very supportive whilst I work at the hospital by being there for me and praying for me. My manager and my colleagues have always been supportive by boosting morale on the ward and making sure we have access to any extra support if needed. 

There has been some anxiety with regards to COVID19, but I feel very lucky whilst working on the surgical floor because there are plans to protect both staff and patients from COVID. Also, receiving constant reassurance from the Trust and receiving daily updates about COVID has been very helpful. 

Supporting patients during COVID

I can definitely sympathise with my patients because of the restrictions to visiting, I can imagine it has made them feel lonely in the hospital setting. So it is so important to support your patients as much as you can and I know there have been new initiatives brought in to the Trust like sending cards to patients. Also, sending thank you cards to staff members to support them has been a great initiative.

At first I felt anxious and a little bit nervous (like my colleagues) about the changes in the Trust such as certain departments having to temporarily close, move or combine with other departments. I have made sure to keep myself up-to-date with the COVID policies and of course with the new specialisms and staff members that joined our ward.

Feeling appreciated and the ‘new normal’ after COVID

Myself and my colleagues have really appreciated the Thursday night Clap for Carers, I even find it quite emotional because of the immense love that people are showing for us.

Stay safe and strong everyone. This hardship will pass and we will become stronger as a society and I hope we will all care for each other.

I hope that everyone learns from this and we don’t take the small things for granted.