Heartbeat: Junior doctors – life on the frontline

June 5, 2020

Our Trust has mobilised in a way and at a pace unknown to us before and everyone has a part to play. Colleagues from administrative functions, nurses to HCAs and of course, our medical teams, have all pulled together at this challenging time.

Our junior doctors are playing a particularly significant role in this pandemic. There is a mix of experience and levels of responsibility among them, with some just newly qualified to those with a decade of practical experience working in hospitals. With approximately 53,000 junior doctors practising in England alone, they make up a sizeable part of any NHS Trust, and in ours, they are crucial in our battle against COVID-19.

We caught up with Alison Eastaugh, Geriatric and Chief Medical Registrar, to find out what life on the frontline has been like for her. She told us: “I think at first anticipation and anxiety were common feelings among myself and my colleagues. There was a sense of the unknown, we weren’t sure how many patients we would see or how unwell they might be. Many of my colleagues were also being moved to other areas to provide support where they were most needed.”

Working through this pandemic has brought with it some unfamiliar challenges. “Wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) all day can be very uncomfortable. It also makes communication with colleagues and patients difficult. Breaking bad news to families on the telephone is also emotionally challenging.”

Speaking of the positives, Alison explained how working through this pandemic has brought a sense of camaraderie to the frontline.

“We have lots of junior doctors in our Trust; some of them at the beginning of their training, whilst others like me have several years’ experience. I am very overwhelmed and impressed by how we have come together, sharing best practice, looking after each other and learning how to tackle this pandemic. I feel particularly supported by the consultants – having that senior presence has been essential. Nurses, doctors, HCAs and ward services – we’ve all become closer as a team.”

Dr Sarah Faloon, CT2 Stroke Medicine, echoed these sentiments. She told us: “Working as a junior doctor during a global pandemic is not something I would have ever expected. I am amazed by how well everyone has pulled together and the willingness to volunteer into new and unfamiliar roles. Some of us have new responsibilities, for instance, myself and other core medical trainees have moved onto the medical registrar rota. Whilst initially daunting we have been so well supported by the consultants, other junior doctors and nursing staff.

“Morale and teamwork have been fantastic. Managing sick patients is what we are trained to do; however, the increased amount of end of life care and breaking bad news, especially when we have to do this over the telephone can be psychologically and emotionally demanding. The Trust and wellbeing team have looked after us by providing opportunities for debriefing and with their wellbeing campaign. I have been extremely moved by the public support, and I am very proud to work for the NHS as a medic here.”

Professor Jawad Khan, Director of Medical Education, told us how incredibly proud he is of our junior medical colleagues. Speaking to Heartbeat, he said: “I would like to draw particular attention to the resolve, determination and bravery of our junior medical staff in facing adversity at a time which has been physically and emotionally draining. The physical demands on us as doctors are substantial. Working, whilst wearing PPE, adds considerable effort in terms of caring for patients.

“The junior doctors have been pivotal in our efforts to address the surge in clinical demand. They are at the very forefront of our efforts, showing great flexibility when redeployed into new clinical environments, adapting to new roles and rotas. They have matured quickly, adjusted and remained steadfast to maintaining the highest standard of patient care. Their conduct has been exemplary. Their compassion and dedication cannot be overstated.”