Inside an ICU during coronavirus: how doctors and nurses are coping as they battle to save patients

It's left to intensive care wards to carry on the battle to keep the worst affected people alive. Like Epsom and St Helier hospital - which was hit early on with a wave of patients. Our health and social care correspondent Victoria Macdonald has spent the day there with intensive care staff - and has spoken to doctors and nurses about how they've been managing to cope.

-------

Follow us:

[kelly]

Thank you for filming in the ICU and interviewing the nurses, it’s so important for people to understand how serious this is. Please stay home and stay safe.

[nicholeparrish]

These nurses are so prayers to them that they keep their spirits yp

[mahjabinafsar]

My daughter Fyza is an ICU nurse in Newcastle Upon Tyne. As her mother I can say that she is my hero! I am so so so proud of her!! But at the same time live in fear everyday for her life!!!

[vkchaitanya]

This is so sad and depressing to watch, I don't know why on earth I am watching this, I even had tears rolling

[HRShanghai]

I have to point out the problems here. 1. PPE used in ICU is way too basic to protect medical staff. 2. No social distance between the staff during the break.

[jasminelee]

Whenever there is evil in the world I shall remember people like these doing the work of angels 💕

[Lavaboyfire]

Please keep talking to them, at times they can hear you. It’s frightening and traumatizing to be on a ventilator. I know from experience, a caring voice goes along way.

[Abz-vw]

These doctors and nurses deserves to upmost respect!! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR HELPING THE SICK!! YOU ARE TRUE HEROES.

[emilyday]

Reminder that it is not just doctors and nurses working in the NHS and ICU looking after these patients there are all of the allied health professionals, health care assistants, health care students opting in to work in the NHS, housekeepers, porters and catering staff that do an equally good job in providing people with the best care possible

[jeanare]

Thank you so so much NHS, my partner still fighting for covid right now 😭😭
It’s very very alarming and scary I love my partner so much he’s a very good man to everybody and he is a nurse too .. but now he’s the one inside the intensive care.. to all the nurses and doctors helping my partner against this battle I am really2 appreciated everything that you do. God bless you all.. and praying for my partner fast recovery 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[kerryfry]

If there's one thing that will stay with me. It's I'm glad we in Britain have people like this. That it's our health care that's a beacon of light in this darkness.

[craventhebrave]

please keep doing what you do to brave the storm and keep us informed. thank you

[nadac]

absolutely heartbreaking to watch never mind being there! God bless them all for their amazing job

[jekinchan]

I was the patient 3mins and 33seconds inyo the video. Got out after 36 days in ICU. So lucky to be alive. God bless those all who looked after me. X

[sharonsheridan]

Unimaginable what these workers are having to see ... feel.... and endure...
In awe of them. I honestly dont think I could do what there doing
🍀

[scottfromengland]

Seeing an insite into an ICU definitely makes you feel emotional, the NHS & the like are all doing an incredible job, a really great group of caring people ❤️

[johnberry]

I’m overcome by the bravery and superhuman devotion of these NHS staff. In my view they’re more than just people, they are gods

[johnrobert]

Channel 4 News with exceptional journalism once again. Thank you, very humane. Good script, good insight.

[nataliajarzebska]

I hope the medical staff, all of the teams taking care of running the hospital, have proper mental support...it is so painful to watch the amount of physical and mental strength they need to show everyday for long shift hours :(

[lisasims]

A big thank you
& Many prayers for you all x