And so that's two more victims rushed to the KHMH - which, tonight is full to overflowing with 30 COVID-19 Patients and 15 in the ICU.
Now, nurses run ragged and desperately in need of a place to kick their feet up. And, that's just what they got today when COURTS Belize decided to pay it forward to front liners. Here's more:
The KHMH got a thoughtful donation from Courts Belize today, and while in a time of COVID you'd expect it to be medical supplies or even equipment the furniture and appliance store decided to go in a different direction, giving the medical staff a space to put their feet up and to drink a warm cup of Joe.
Javier Ponce, Managing Director, UNICOMER
"As a socially responsible company we are very happy to be donating these recliners and all these things that we know will prove very useful for our K.H.M.H. staff. We know that they are under a lot of pressure, a lot of stress right now with everything that's been going on with the COVID-19 situation here in Belize. We acknowledge that [and] we want to help them out. There is also a call to every other company that would want to come forward and put something on the line for these people, so we hope that they will make the most of it, so we're happy."
That happiness is being brought on by 4 recliners, and a professional Coffee maker. And while you might think that's a mismatch, Nurse Bowman says that re-charging while re-fueling is a vital part of a nurse's day.
Casilda Bowman, Unit Manager, Covid, and Patient Under investigation Unit
"This donation will definitely come as a great surprise and I am telling you that my staff will love it. We don't get much time to get a break, but when we do get a break it will be in comfort. They will be able to take a power nap, relax their feet after standing for several hours. And anybody who knows nurses knows that coffee runs in their veins. So I am telling you they will be overjoyed and they will totally love it. It will definitely help them, they will feel encouraged. This really does make them feel that what they are doing, the hours that they are spending is being seen by the public and they are being appreciated for it."
It's an appreciation that's not only well deserved but long overdue as health staff have taken the brunt of the work and endured a heavy emotional toll throughout the pandemic.
Kareen Birch, Nursing Supervisor
"We are tired sis. When will this end? When will people realise that COVID-19 is real and stop doing - I don't want to say selfish behaviours, but behaviours that put the rest of the population at risk. Because sometimes you go in, literally, one person gets off a bed and then you clean it so that you can accommodate another patient. So it is a constant jamming. And so it is just a rough time - mentally, physically - for yourself and your family."
The hope is that these recliners, destined for the hospital lounge will be a little light in all the darkness, something to pick up a nurse's spirits when they're down.
Casilda Bowman
"Being able to rest in comfort does give them more, it will give them energy 1 and it will give them some sort of motivation and hope to do what they're doing."
Kareen Birch, Nursing Supervisor
"Just knowing that there's someone out there that actually cares about you and is concerned about how you feel going through your day, means a lot to me because then when my staff is happy, I am happy."
