Doctor at Sheffield hospital speaks of 'encouraging' signs in battle against coronavirus - and says your rainbow pictures are keeping staff going

Dr Susie Thoms also told how there are ‘encouraging’ signs when it comes to the numbers of patients recovering from COVID-19, and she praised the ‘outstanding’ effort from everyone at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.

The anaesthetics registrar is working in intensive care at the Hallamshire, where she has created a ‘Rainbow Wall’ from all the amazing pictures and messages of support sent in by grateful members of the public.

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“I started off doing something similar outside my house because I was so worried about going to work when all this started that I couldn’t really sleep before a night shift,” she said.

“The response was brilliant so I decided to do the same at hospital to bring some energy and happiness to my colleagues because at first it was quite daunting and scary for everyone.

“Each time I come in there are new additions, and it’s made quite a difference to people’s wellbeing at what is a really challenging time.

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“The shifts are long and hard, and doing everything with all the protective equipment we’re wearing is quite difficult physically.

“Fortunately, the powers that be here at the trust have been outstanding and we feel safe at work, where we have enough PPE (personal protective equipment), and confident in what we’re doing.”

More than 100 people have died with coronavirus at Sheffield's hospitals but Dr Thoms said that although the recovery process is often a long one there are ‘encouraging’ signs that many patients are overcoming the disease.

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“We’re getting a fair amount of success stories, which is really encouraging for staff. The number of survivors is very encouraging,” she said.

Don’t forget to clap again this evening for the carers, including staff at Sheffield’s hospitals, who are keeping us safe during the coronavirus crisis.

People are due to gather at their windows and doorsteps at 8pm today, Thursday, April 16, to applaud the efforts of all our key workers.

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