Corporal Matthew Abbott was one of nine military personnel who provided support to staff at our hospital last month.

Having returned to his normal day-to-day office-based role supporting junior soldiers at his base in Maidstone, Kent, he’s shared his reflections of his days on our high-dependency unit (HDU) at Queen’s Hospital.

Matthew, 30, said: “My role involved helping wherever I could, such as stocking up PPE supplies and cleaning. It was a really good experience, but also really challenging – such as the long hours, night shifts and being on my feet all day, as well as wearing full PPE.

“It was a real eye opener of what the NHS does. It was also extremely rewarding; there was a patient there when I arrived who I got to see stepped down from HDU to a ward, that was really nice to see.”

The military personnel, who also supported on our intensive therapy unit (ITU) at Queen’s Hospital made a huge difference to our team at an extremely busy time when we were dealing with the Omicron variant. To mark the end of their time with us, our team hosted a thank you lunch.

Matthew added: “They said a big thank you and gave us certificates. They were all amazing, so kind and welcoming from the off, especially when we first arrived and had no idea where we were going or what we were doing. I’d like to thank them for having us and looking after us so well. It was also a good opportunity to learn new skills, especially communicating with different people in different ways.”

While he had a great time at our hospital, Matthew, who has been in the army for 12 years, is also glad to be back home with his wife and children, a son, seven, and four-year-old daughter, after spending a month in a hotel while working at our hospital.

Pictured top are the military personnel who worked at our hospital, with ITU staff.