This Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on so many of us, patients and staff alike, sadly we have lost colleagues too. However we are also seeing more staff return to work like Sas Banerjee, 49, one of our consultants who is delighted to be back.

“Covid-19 is not pleasant but I am fortunate enough that I have not been as affected as much as other patients and colleagues who have been in intensive care. Of course our thoughts and prayers go to the colleagues and friends we have lost

“I recognised that I was not well on 3 April so I had a swab and it was that weekend that I went very downhill. On that Sunday I took a call from my colleague to tell me it was positive. I honestly thought I was getting better and then I went downhill again, that’s when I realised this is a serious illness. 

“I did initially have a temperature and after 48 hours I thought I was getting better. I was almost looking forward to getting back to work but then found that I started to get a temperature again.

“The biggest impact on me was being stuck at home. It’s a fact that I have never been off work for so long in my working career. As I looked out of my window at home and saw people coming out for Clap for Carers, it hit me that I was a prisoner in my own home and when I was very ill, a prisoner in my own bed.

“I have two daughters and thankfully they remain well. My wife also got Covid-19 before me, she was incredibly strong and went back to work before me. 

“Of course it had an impact on me and my family but I am here now and I am delighted to be back. It has been challenging, I do still get tired quickly but it is pleasant to be back on the wards.  

“All the time that you are off you do keep thinking about your colleagues on the shop floor. We are one family and we absolutely need to look out for each other and we want to be involved, so yes it is great to be back.”

Watch our interview below with Sas on YouTube.