We hear from C. N. Lee, Prof of Cardiac Surgery, Ex-Chairman of Surgery, National University of Singapore on a typical day at work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Went to work today, nothing special working on a Sunday when you're in #healthcare , patients do not choose to fall ill only on weekdays.. my 3-week old baby girl and wife both asleep. Elderly parents coming to care for them when I'm away. All is #calm .
At the lift lobby, greeted with #smiles as usual from our volunteers doing temp screening. "Good morning Dr! Your coffee is hot as usual!" We shared some laughs, as my coffee and not my body lighted up hot on the screen. I wondered how many shifts have these volunteers been doing... It's Sunday 7am.
Went through the patient lists. Many transfers from the Pandemic teams as usual, since these COVID suspects have been ruled out with negative swabs, time for us from cardio to rule out alternative diagnosis. Seemed like another busy night for all on call, plans look good.
Time to hit the wards. Hand sanitisers, PPE, masks, all stocked up full and ready. Nurses and allied health all doing their rounds. Cleaning staff and meal service staff preparing clean beds and food for the patients. Every one is #calm , it's been another busy night of admissions yet every one is tired but #cheerful . My ward clerk starting chatting about the impending circuitbreaker month, but since she is an essential personnel, it's work as usual.
Rounds proceeded as usual. Patients doing as they should without surprises. After changes and discharges done, families updated, plans all set, went for a quick meal at my usual lunch haunt that remains open during weekends. After payment, the staff reminded me next week only dabao (takeaway) no dining in. They will remain open, which is great! I will just have my lunch at my desk next week while listening in to a Zoom lunch time lecture. Or the latest virtual ACC videos. No sweat.
On my way out of hospital, saw my surgical and stroke colleagues who were post call. Another busy night, but all glad to be going home soon. It was #smiles as usual as we exchanged knowing glances that same time tomorrow, we will be back here doing what we need to do, no fear, saving lives.
So you see, my friends here in Singapore , all is still calm, we are doing alright. There is no lack of PPE or masks required in our hospitals, we can still attend to our emergency cases and do not have to turn anyone away despite fighting this COVID surge. We do not lack ICU beds or equipment, healthcare personnel are all at work as usual without the same fear seen in other (more developed) countries. Our pandemic plans are solid, leadership knee deep in the trenches with us easily instilling #confidence to all fighting on the ground.
We have been preparing for this since our last pandemic. Our resources and reserves are ready to be deployed. Our systems all green, morale still high. No crying healthcare workers quitting their jobs. Only #smiles as we know we are protected. There really is no better place to be in the world right now, especially if you are a frontline warrior.
Stay at home if you can my friends. Observe the heightened measures, let's flatten the curve and break the surge with our collective effort. But if you fall at our doorstep, we will pick you up and care for you without fear. Only come if you need to. Stay calm, stay home.