WATCH: Footage From ICU Released! Medical Team, Staff Treat Patients With COVID-19
Home > News Shots > World newsBBC's Medical correspondent, Fergus Walsh, took time out and spent a day in an intensive care unit (ICU) in England. BBC became the first news channel to interact with experience medical team and also enter the ICU since the COVID-19 outbreak.
During the intensive reporting, Medical correspondent, Fergus showed how National Health Service (NHS) medical staff stand and fight as a team managing the biggest healthcare challenge amid this lockdown.
While speaking to few members of the medical team around, ICU matron Elaine Thorpe said she had never experienced such a situation like this in her 23 years of service. “I want people to listen very carefully to what the government and we in the NHS are saying. The situation is very serious and unless people stay home, it will continue.”
Fergus also spoke to a patient, who was using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, that was delivering oxygen to the lungs without needing a ventilator.
Meanwhile, ICU consultant Jim Down, who was also busy in the process of treatment to patient shared a few insights from his struggle. He spoke about how they are preparing to care for large numbers of COVID-19 patients. “In a way it is easy for me to come to work because I am busy all day but it is hard on my family at home,” he said.
“They have been amazing in supporting me to do what I need to do. I am incredibly grateful to them," he added.
Fergus terms this interview as the most significant one, because he wants to inform the public about the seriousness and safety measures that needs to be used. “It was humbling to watch the resilience of our NHS staff who are the heroes in this crisis. Their care and dedication deserves all our gratitude,” he said.
“My sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone at UCLH. The way you have transformed care for COVID-19 patients is remarkable," he finally said.
Watch the full video below:
My profound thanks to all the staff @uclh for allowing me and @adamwalkertv to show the reality of coronavirus on intensive care. Their resilience and professionalism in the midst of this crisis is humbling. My thoughts are with the patients and their families #bbcnewsten
— Fergus Walsh (@BBCFergusWalsh) April 6, 2020
Our thanks to all of you. And in case anyone is wondering we donated PPE to the hospital so that we would not deplete their precious resources @UCLH @adamwalkertv @paulroyall @BBCNews https://t.co/8i78jIkgk3
— Fergus Walsh (@BBCFergusWalsh) April 6, 2020
The impact on staff can be profound. They need our support to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Thank you again to all @uclh pic.twitter.com/zMb8brf8YF
— Fergus Walsh (@BBCFergusWalsh) April 6, 2020
We all have a role to play in fighting this disease, and people of all ages can be affected pic.twitter.com/83dTGlITcj
— Fergus Walsh (@BBCFergusWalsh) April 6, 2020
A special report from @UCLH intensive care unit. The reality of coronavirus and it’s impact on patients and staff. A vitally important message for us all - social distancing really will save lives. pic.twitter.com/mAX9TrkbE2
— Fergus Walsh (@BBCFergusWalsh) April 6, 2020
Thanks also to patients like Imran. 37 years old, fit and healthy, yet coronavirus left him so breathless he could barely speak pic.twitter.com/tRoqpTzS2D
— Fergus Walsh (@BBCFergusWalsh) April 7, 2020
More tonight from inside University College Hospital and how it has been transformed into a vast coronavirus treatment centre. Operating theatres are now intensive care units. My thanks to all @uclh @adamwalkertv #bbcnewsten pic.twitter.com/thiEb4m160
— Fergus Walsh (@BBCFergusWalsh) April 7, 2020
"I’ve seen some challenging things over the years, but nothing quite like this"@bbcferguswalsh talks to #CoronavirusNewscast about his report from an intensive care unit
🎧Listen on @BBCSounds https://t.co/AenICOhxZc pic.twitter.com/cJ4s4iN8CD
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) April 7, 2020