The Harrowing Chapter of Medics in the West Midlands

As the world reflects on the Covid pandemic, healthcare workers in the West Midlands, particularly in Sandwell and west Birmingham, open up about a harrowing chapter in their careers marked by unprecedented challenges. Dr. Sarb Clare recalls the devastating toll of the virus, stating, "We were dealing with death on a daily basis—young people, elderly, and even our colleagues. It was incredibly tough and we faced fear and uncertainty at every turn."

A Symbol of Hope: Midland Metropolitan University Hospital

The backdrop of their struggles was the launch of a newly constructed critical care unit at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick, created to replace the older facilities at Sandwell and City Hospitals. This new facility symbolizes hope and resilience as staff members reflect on the heavy burden they experienced during the pandemic’s peak in 2020.

Personal Sacrifices and Anxiety

Senior sister Laura Harman described those days as the "most challenging time" of her professional life, filled with anxiety and pressure. Many healthcare workers like her faced deep personal sacrifices—such as moving out of their family homes to protect vulnerable relatives—leaving them without a place of refuge. "Everything was topsy-turvy, and it was a really anxiety-inducing time," she explained. The often-overwhelming experience led to high levels of stress, with many nurses suffering panic attacks while donning personal protective equipment.

Socioeconomic Challenges and Community Impact

Dr. Clare highlighted the dire socioeconomic conditions of the hospital’s locality, known as one of the most deprived wards in the country. "The community couldn’t isolate; they were our shopkeepers, our bus drivers," she noted. Tragically, generations of families came to the hospital, often with devastating outcomes. "It was gut-wrenching, and has left scars on all of us," she said.

Overwhelming Capacity During the Pandemic

During the peak of the pandemic, critical care units in the Sandwell and City hospitals operated at a staggering 350% capacity, revealing just how hard-hit the area was by the virus. Matron Noku Sileya credited her remarkable team for helping her navigate through those dark times. "Even when it felt like we weren’t meeting our usual standards of care, we could lean on one another," she shared.

Exceptional Teamwork Among Staff

The spirit of teamwork among staff was crucial as they faced these adversities together. "The camaraderie was exceptional. I felt privileged to work alongside colleagues who were experiencing the same struggles," Ms. Harman added.

Optimism for the Future

As much as the memories remain vivid, healthcare professionals are optimistic about the future. The new Midland Metropolitan hospital is designed to handle future outbreaks more effectively. "Now, we have isolation rooms for infectious diseases, which are vital," explained Prof. Jonathan Hulme, critical care lead. He noted that during the pandemic, they had to convert entire units into Covid intensive care units due to a lack of space, which was chaotic and traumatic for both staff and patients.

Recognition and Changes Ahead

Recognition of the efforts during the pandemic has also been notable. Dr. Clare, now the deputy chief medical officer at the hospital, was honored with an MBE for her outstanding leadership. She expressed that important changes, like having 50% single rooms in the new hospital, would significantly save lives in future health crises. "If we had this during Covid, many more would have survived," she asserted.

A Triumphant Step Forward

The staff’s resilience and dedication signify a triumphant step forward for the healthcare system in Sandwell and west Birmingham. "Our community deserves the best healthcare, and now they finally have it," Dr. Clare stated proudly, referring to the new hospital as "a gift" for the people.

Celebrating Resilience

As we remember the horrifying chapters of the pandemic, it’s essential to celebrate the undeniable resilience of the healthcare workers who faced the darkest of times but continue to shine brightly for the future.