Working Life: Gwen Regan, community infection control nurse, HSE

Gwen Regan, community infection control nurse, HSE

6.45am

I’m not a morning person, so it’s out of bed, shower and two mugs of tea before I’m ready to join the fight against Covid-19.

My teenagers are home from school so it’s not as hectic as

normal.

I practice good hand hygiene, and continue to do so throughout the day.

On the road, there is little or no traffic, so the commute is a breeze.

7.45am

I arrive at our testing centre in Croke Park.

In the past 17 days, we have opened Covid-19 testing centres for North Dublin.

Staff arrive at 8am to prepare for our first patients. It’s a new

service, so I am on site to assist with staff queries, PPE (personal protective equipment) training, and induction.

11am

I meet with the Covid-19 training team.

We are providing education to as many services as possible, both HSE and non-HSE.

I’m updated on the week with regards to education and queries raised. I answer these based on evidence.

We also set up a helpline for HSE and non-HSE services to provide advice and support.

1pm

Into the car and I drive to a potential Covid-19 assessment centre, which I help with scoping out.

I work closely with my colleagues Michelle Forde and Ellen O’Dea, observing social distancing and good hand hygiene.

I provide clinical advice around the service being designed, to

ensure it is safe for patients and staff.

3pm

I head back to Croke Park to plan the week ahead.

The phone rings constantly, there’s so much ongoing as we work to deal with Covid-19.

6.30pm

We have an end-of-day briefing.

It’s important that we support staff who have volunteered to take on roles which are so different to their normal working day.

There is a huge sense of collegiality and focus on doing whatever is being asked from HSE staff, and those working with us to

support the effort.

8.20pm

I pull into the driveway. I’m glad to be home to see my children, who have had a long day home alone.

I engage in the by-now automatic hand hygiene as soon as I get through the front door.

I would like to thank my family for supporting me to do my job in these challenging times.