Heartbeat: Come on Aileen! Priory 5 nurse beats COVID-19 after hard fight

June 30, 2020

As colleagues are well aware, it is not just the public at large that are at risk from the coronavirus pandemic. Many NHS workers across the country, as well as our peers and cohorts overseas, have also been at risk, and a number have sadly passed away.

Happily today we can share a positive story from one of our own who has thankfully fought off the virus – Aileen Dela Cruz, a familiar face to those on Priory 5 at Sandwell Hospital. Aileen, a staff nurse, has spent the last 19 years helping at the hospital. Although she recently found herself staying at the hospital for a lot longer than she expected.

With Aileen thankfully recovering at home, Heartbeat spoke to her husband John, himself a worker at the Trust, about her treatment. “It was an extremely tough time,” he told us. “But one made easier for all the hard work, effort and kindness shown by staff across the hospital.”

Aileen first became symptomatic on 26 March, immediately self-isolating following the Trust and national guidance. However, after twelve days she developed shortness of breath and with her condition deteriorating John called an ambulance.

“It was very worrying, all of it was. The ambulance came along and quickly got her into A&E, she ended up in AMU for four days, and despite everyone’s efforts she deteriorated further. She was moved into the intensive treatment unit (ITU) on 12 April where she was incubated for eleven days.

“We almost lost her. Very nearly lost her,” admitted John, with difficulty. “The team never gave up, and she never gave up. I knew everyone was doing their very best to save her.”

Despite being a Trust worker, John could not visit Aileen during this time which he admits was hard. “Concentrating on my job would have been impossible; to not be able to go in was very tough to accept. But I’m extremely grateful to all those who treated her including Eileen the ward manager and Stacey Collins – consultant, Emma Leno too, the nurses. They were all so compassionate; they all went the extra mile.”

“I’m also particularly thankful to our Chief Nurse, Paula Gardner. Paula rang me, checked how I was doing and asked if I needed any support. She told me I could get in contact with her if I needed and checked on Aileen when she visited the ITU. I’m very grateful to her and everyone.”

Discharged from hospital on 26 April, Aileen is still recovering from the effects of coronavirus as well as the arterial collapse she sustained on her left hand. She continues to receive support from Sandwell, although now from the therapies team.

“Thank you, everyone, for all your messages and your prayers for Aileen during this time. It has meant a great deal to us both.”

We at Heartbeat look forward to seeing Aileen back at Sandwell when she has recovered.