Heartbeat: Physio team capture special moments in a patient’s recovery

May 26, 2021

For the physiotherapists working within the Trust’s critical care unit, watching a COVID-19 patient speak or stand for the first time in weeks is a truly special moment.

In fact, each time a patient reaches a milestone in their care, the team records it in a positivity log – as Vanessa van de Bovenkamp, Senior Rotational Physiotherapist explains: “The past year has been like a rollercoaster. There have been highs and lows as we have seen some very poorly patients, especially during the second wave. But we also keep a positivity log where we record special moments where we have seen patient firsts.

“This maybe the first time a patient has spoken after having a tracheostomy fitted or when they have been able to stand up. They may have been unconscious for weeks or even months and we have been involved in delivering intensive physiotherapy with them to help their recovery. The team meets once a week and we go through the log to talk about these moments. It’s a really uplifting session which we all agree is really important during such challenging times.”

Vanessa has worked at the Trust for nearly five years, but has been based with the respiratory service since last September. It means much of her work has led her into the intensive care unit, where she sees many of her patients fighting for their lives. She adds: “COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and physios play an integral part in the recovery of a patient who has been ventilated, supporting doctors and nurses working within intensive care. Those who have had the virus will need physio for their chest but also for their limbs, having been unable to move for a long period of time. “We check the patient’s chest for any build up and will give them physio to loosen this. By focusing on all of their limbs we are able to help them avoid having issues in these areas in the future.

“Physios also assist with proning which helps with the pumping of the heart and improves oxygen delivery to the body.” She added: “The role of a physio within intensive care has certainly increased during the pandemic and although it has been challenging, it is an important one which will help patients in the long term who have battled this virus.”