An entire intensive care unit (ICU) ward is now solely treating Covid-19 patients as the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary ramps up to meet demand.
Yesterday, the Edinburgh Evening News spoke to those on the front lines of the Capital’s fight against the virus. Here we take a look in pictures at what life is like on the ward for those NHS staff working tirelessly to save lives.
. Thursday 9th of April 2020: A first look inside the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital as they prepare for patients with the Covid-19 Coronavirus. The new recovery room for Coronavirus patients
A first look inside the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital as they prepare for patients with the Covid-19 Coronavirus. | JPIMedia Photo: Andrew O'Brien
. Entering the Covid-19 ward
Doctors and nurses prepare to enter the Covid ward putting on the PPE safety equipment. | JPIMedia Photo: Andrew O'Brien
. 'Donning station'
A medics puts on PPE safety equipment at the ERI. | JPIMedia Photo: Andrew O'Brien
. Life in ICU
An entire ICU ward is now solely treating Covid-19 patients as the Royal Infirmary ramps up to meet demand. | JPIMedia Photo: Andrew O'Brien
9. 12 hour shifts
Nurses start their 12-hour shifts donning PPE kit before heading into the ICU for a handover with colleagues on the progress of patients. | JPIMedia Photo: Andrew O'Brien
10. Making plans
“We’ll do the rounds and see every patient twice a day to make a plan for that patient for the day - drugs, ventilation and any other treatment,” says Mr Gillies. | JPIMedia Photo: Andrew O'Brien
11. Taking its toll
“The hardest thing is we normally have families of patients coming in but because of Covid-19, families haven’t been coming in - it’s very difficult for them and us,” says senior charge nurse Lesley Triseliotis (not pictured here). | JPIMedia Photo: Andrew O'Brien
12. The new recovery room for Coronavirus patients.
Thomas Young and Steven ElderThe new recovery room for Coronavirus patients. | JPIMedia Photo: Andrew O'Brien