*Florence Kelly.

Household Attendant at Ennis General Hospital Florence Kelly has revealed that living in the “here and now” helped her to cope with the anxiety of working on the front line during the Covid-19 crisis.

“The biggest challenge was anxiety. We were constantly learning new information on COVID. Staff and roles were changing, but we were kept up to date on the changes and we adapted to the work environment.

“I did not let it get to me, I did not let it frighten me and I stayed at work, coping by living in the here and now and getting on with it,” she commented.

A member of the HSE since 2015, Florence worked in University Maternity Hospital Limerick before returning to Ennis Hospital in October 2017.

Though the Crusheen native was initially anxious, she became more confident with time and support.

“Working on the frontline was worrying but we received lots of information, training and support. We received support from the public and lovely gifts that cheered us up. This made me proud to be part of the frontline.

“I think we were lucky as to how things went for us in Ennis and this was about working as part of the team; working collaboratively and staying together. I am proud to be an employee of Ennis Hospital and the UL Hospitals Group.,” Florence added.

Florence confirmed that working constantly in full PPE was challenging because of the physical nature of their work. Access to PPE and cleaning supplies was not a problem however.

Even though stock levels were sometimes low, household attendants always had what they needed to carry out one of the most important jobs of all during the public health emergency.

“Thanks to local businesses who supported us with PPE supplies, and to the management skills of our stores manager, we were always protected and felt safe to do our work, which is to ensure the hospital is safe for our patients and staff,” Florence said.

Related News

Litter_poster6
Record entries for anti-litter poster competition in Galway
bridgetown farm 1
'We've already missed a generation & if we miss another I don't know how food will be produced'
ballycar railway line train 28-04-20 2
Frustration building as Govt failed to put full steam behind rail works in Ballycar & Crusheen
Photograph by Eamon Ward
Lissycasey GAA grounds to be named in honour of late PJ Kelly

Advertisement

Latest News
louth v clare 15-06-25 peter keane 3
Keane undecided on whether he has 'appetite' to continue as Clare football manager
house key property
Clare's median property prices increase by €20k over 12 months
Litter_poster6
Record entries for anti-litter poster competition in Galway
teresa roseingrave 1
Clare LGFA in disarray as board meeting ends abruptly
clare v kilkenny 06-07-24 brian lohan 2
'We've had fantastic days under his leadership' - Lohan given additional three year term as Clare boss
Premium
clare v kilkenny 06-07-24 brian lohan 2
'We've had fantastic days under his leadership' - Lohan given additional three year term as Clare boss
bridgetown farm 1
'We've already missed a generation & if we miss another I don't know how food will be produced'
REPRO-FREE-Wolfe-Tones-na-Sionna-chairman-Mike-Riordan-with-players-Aaron-Cunningham-and-Aron-Shanagher-club-secretary-Amanda-Hogan-and-H-e1498060076514
Six volume book of evidence served on Limerick man for €1m burglary spree case
hen harrier 1
Hen harrier helps to ground plans for three turbine windfarm in West Clare
project west forestry 1
Over 1,100 acres of forestry in Clare & Galway on the market for more than €5m

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement