Table of Contents
- 1. Storm Warriors: UHW Staff Share Their Stories of Heroic Commitment Amidst Éowyn
- 2. An Interview with Nurse Fiona O’Neill
- 3. What impact, if any, did the storm have on the hospitalS ability to provide routine care?
- 4. An Interview with Nurse Fiona O’Neill
- 5. What prompted your decision to stay on at the hospital during such a powerful storm?
- 6. What was the atmosphere like within the hospital during the storm?
- 7. Can you share a specific example of how you connected with a patient during this time?
- 8. What message would you like to send to the wider community about the dedication of UHW staff?
- 9. Do you think this experience might change how people view the role of healthcare workers?
When Storm Éowyn lashed the Irish coastline, 384 dedicated staff members at University Hospital Waterford chose to stand their ground. Choosing to camp overnight within the hospital walls, they ensured uninterrupted patient care, a testament to their unwavering commitment.
The hospital, a beacon of resilience in the face of the tempest, saw a united front from doctors, nurses, technical support, and administrative staff, all diligently fulfilling their roles. As a statement from UHW proudly proclaimed, “A huge shout out to all our staff for going the extra mile.”
Sinead Reynolds,HSE’s Integrated Health Area Manager for Waterford and Wexford,echoed this sentiment,expressing deep gratitude for the tireless efforts of all healthcare professionals across hospitals,community,and day services in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
An Interview with Nurse Fiona O’Neill
We caught up with nurse Fiona O’Neill to here firsthand about her experience during the turbulent night:
“It wasn’t a difficult decision at all,” Fiona explained, “When we heard the weather warnings, we knew we had a responsibility to our patients to ensure their safety and well-being. We couldn’t let a storm, however severe, stop us from providing the care they need. “
fiona described the atmosphere within the hospital as “a sense of purpose and camaraderie.” Despite the challenging conditions outside, spirits remained high, fueled by the shared goal of providing exceptional care.
“We had one patient who was incredibly anxious about the storm. We made a point of staying with him, talking to him, and reassuring him. Seeing his fear ease as we tended to him was incredibly rewarding,” Fiona shared, highlighting the impactful human connection amidst the chaos.
Asked about her message to the wider community, Fiona emphasized, “We hope our commitment inspires others to recognise the amazing work that goes on in hospitals every day, especially during times of crisis. we’re not just treating patients; we’re taking care of people in their moast vulnerable moments, and we’re always prepared to go the extra mile.”
What impact, if any, did the storm have on the hospitalS ability to provide routine care?
An Interview with Nurse Fiona O’Neill
When Storm Éowyn struck the Irish coastline, University Hospital Waterford (UHW) saw 384 dedicated staff members choose to stay on-site, ensuring uninterrupted patient care. Nurses, doctors, technicians, and administrative staff came together in a united front, demonstrating extraordinary commitment. While many sought shelter amidst the tempest, these “Storm Warriors” stood thier ground. We caught up with nurse Fiona O’Neill to hear her firsthand account of this extraordinary night.
What prompted your decision to stay on at the hospital during such a powerful storm?
“It wasn’t a difficult decision at all,” Fiona explained. “When we heard the weather warnings, we knew we had a responsibility to our patients to ensure their safety and well-being. We couldn’t let a storm, however severe, stop us from providing the care they need.”
What was the atmosphere like within the hospital during the storm?
Fiona described the atmosphere as “a sense of purpose and camaraderie.” “Despite the challenging conditions outside,” she said, “spirits remained high, fueled by the shared goal of providing remarkable care.”
“We had one patient who was incredibly anxious about the storm,” Fiona shared. “We made a point of staying with him, talking to him, and reassuring him. Seeing his fear ease as we tended to him was incredibly rewarding.”
What message would you like to send to the wider community about the dedication of UHW staff?
“We hope our commitment inspires others to recognize the amazing work that goes on in hospitals every day, especially during times of crisis,” Fiona emphasized. “We’re not just treating patients; we’re taking care of people in their most vulnerable moments, and we’re always prepared to go the extra mile.”
Do you think this experience might change how people view the role of healthcare workers?
Fiona paused thoughtfully before answering. “I hope so,” she said. “This storm highlighted the selflessness and unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals. We chose to stay and care for our patients, even when faced with danger and uncertainty. Our priority is always the well-being of those entrusted to our care.”
