Medical students are partaking in the fight against the coronavirus. Medical intern Norah (not her real name) from Nijmegen works in the nursing department of a hospital in Brabant. For Vox, she is keeping a diary. ’Today, a man died with whom I had a conversation just before.’

Friday, 20th of March – Waiting for the peak

’When the coronavirus started to rapidly spread in Brabant two weeks ago, all medical internships of students from Nijmegen were stopped. We all had to be ready in case our help was needed for the treatment of corona-patients.’

’I was called in after two days. Ever since, I have been assisting nurses in the corona-ward of a hospital in Brabant. The work is not medical, but very diverse. Sometimes it means that I welcome the patients’ families and provide them with protective clothing. And sometimes that I play games with the patients and bring their meals.’

’I see the amount of patients rapidly increasing’

’I see the amount of patients rapidly increasing. By now, multiple corona-wards have been established in our hospital. And they are desperately needed.’

’We luckily have enough protective clothing like masks, safety glasses, and aprons at my ward. But a shortening threatens and the peak has yet to come. Because of that, I hope that people at home realise the gravity of the situation. And that they donate their masks and other medical things – if they have anything – as soon as possible.’

Saturday, 21st of March – The mortuary

’Sometimes, corona-patients feel quite good in one moment, but suddenly get worse in the next. Today, a man died with whom I had a conversation just before. Later, he was brought to the mortuary. That moved me immensely.’

’I like to be able to help people. You can tell that patients are especially thankful at the moment. Additionally, the assistance of the rest of the Netherlands is evident. Flowers are sent to us and restaurants are offering free meals. Additionally, drug stores are donating hand creams in order to prevent our hands from drying out because we continuously disinfect them with alcohol. There is a strong solidarity in the help we receive. It gives me strength.’

Monday, 23rd of March – Solitary suffering

’Patients are allowed a maximum of two visitors. That means that the patient and some close relatives won’t be able to see each other, even when the patient is about to die. It is a necessary restriction, don’t get me wrong, but it is very painful.’

’A psychologist is visiting with whom we can talk during our breaks’

’Luckily, the hospital has an eye on the staff. A psychologist is visiting with whom we can talk during our breaks. I think that’s good and very important. The staff has to stay upright during the upcoming period.’

Tuesday, 24th of March – Worried nurses

’Several patients from non-corona departments are suddenly infected with the virus as well. They are transferred to the corona-ward. But the other patients and the staff in those departments remain nervously. They are afraid that they have been infected as well.’

’Today, a wife visited her seriously ill husband. His prognosis looks bad. When she came in, she explained to another visitor how to put on the protective clothing. You can tell from her experience that she must have done it for the umpteenth time. It reflects the long way of suffering she and her husband are enduring.’

Friday, 27th of March – Washing buttocks

’I continuously come to realise that nurses do so much more than ’washing buttocks.’ Moreover: they are essential. They make the beds, have close contact with the patients, put up IVs, and so on. Without them, the hospital would stop working. And even though the work is not medical – and consequently not relevant for my medical studies – I think it is very important for any doctor to be aware of the amazing work done by them.’

Next week, a new diary van Norah will be released on Voxweb