We’ve had to isolate certain areas and set up a coronavirus labour ward for patients who may be infected. Expectant mothers can now only have their partner with them for the delivery, but no visiting is allowed before and after the birth. Even during challenging times, midwifery is about life and joy. Of course, we are concerned, but we are also strong. I still get up in the morning, put on my uniform and a bit of lipstick and go to work (although these days the masks we wear mean the lipstick doesn’t last long!).

When I was asked to support IT for the NHS Nightingale Hospital London, I didn’t hesitate. We had a meeting at 8am that morning, and by 10pm the team had an articulated lorry dropping off all the network kit. Within five days, we had set up a new secure network and connected devices from scratch to support the first group of patients – over 26km of cable, 500 switches, hundreds of PCs and more. We were just going flat out for several weeks – no weekends, no breaks and no leave.

Even though I work 12-hour shifts the day goes so fast. My favourite part is talking to patients and helping them feel at home. Which is even more important in this new world we live in. Hospitals can be an intimidating place to come to even in calmer times, so having someone to navigate it alongside you can bring a lot of comfort.