A CONSULTANT anaesthetist at Warrington Hospital is reflecting on working life in the last six months after finding herself in a lockdown limbo.

Doctor Sarah Burns has worked on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, alongside hundreds of hardworking colleagues at the Trust.

As shops and restaurants reopen their doors, Sarah, like many people, has found herself erring on the side of caution with the new freedom.

She said: "It seems a sensible time to declare the feeling I have of being somewhat in limbo regarding the pandemic.

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"On the one hand, there is plenty to reflect upon, but there is also a sense of anticipation, not just about the possibility, size, shape and timing of a second wave but also about building services back up, creating new angles to our existing services and gradually, about things not related to coronavirus at all.

"Outside, in the wider world, as lockdown eases, there is a mix of relief and reservation about ‘getting back to normal’.

"Shops and pubs have reopened, premier league football has returned, hairdressers are all geared up and working through their backlog, aeroplanes are in the sky again, holidays abroad considered.

"Do you, like me, sometimes feel like things are moving too fast? Perhaps full lockdown, as stifling as it was, gave us a sense of containment.

"I am something of a lone voice in my own household.

"With two adult children and a husband working from home, I’m aware that I nag them to rein their enthusiasm in a bit, repeatedly reminding them to use sanitiser, wear a mask, wash their hands, like some sort of Coronaphobic Grinch, stamping all over their new liberties.

"There is a definite disconnect between their perspective (move forward) and mine (keep still).

"Perhaps my extreme caution does need tweaking a bit, but I wonder if it is a result of what we have all been through and witnessed from within our trust.

Warrington Guardian:

"It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were offered mask fit testing initially in January, when the virus was ‘out there’ but far, far away.

"By March, the fit testing was in full swing with beards surrendered and masks issued.

"Simulation training took hold and guidelines for something that was not completely understood were rapidly developed.

"Reports of harsh triage and painful decisions circulated from an overwhelmed northern Italy and subsequently London.

"Conventional meetings were replaced with webinars, zoom sessions, crisis planning etc.

"Then came the patients: a slow ‘rumour’ or two to begin with, then a steep influx.

"PPE policies were reviewed and changed rapidly and regularly.

"Infection control worked round the clock to support us and navigate the changing policies issued from NHS England.

"Normal clinical services were altered or replaced with deployment to perhaps less familiar areas.

"Covid-19 patients were met head on and escalated or stepped down according to clinical state.

"Clinical staff, porters, cleaners, security, executive and admin staff to name a few all had new boundaries, roles and PPE.

"Bewildered faces and tears were seen and comforted but without the privilege and warmth of a hug.

"NHS staff across the UK were dying, including our own Jo Habab.

"We had all this plus the additional concerns that were common to all: vulnerable or elderly relatives, reduced or threatened income, household shopping difficulties, cancellation of plans.

"However, the strength and support of the hospital teams and staff to me has been exceptional. We have worked together, listened to each other and understood each other in a way that maybe before we haven’t given as much attention to.

Warrington Guardian:

"In addition, we have been spoiled by the outside world who have donated to us and raised money for us and clapped for us.

"So when we talk about ultimately ‘getting back to normal’, I hope it also includes what perhaps is a new and improved ‘normal’ of generosity of spirit. In the meantime, I will work on embracing the lockdown changes.

"Starting with the hairdressers – which I must say I am very glad about!"