Before the COVID19 epidemic struck, Liu Lingling (23) was a nurse in the surgical department of the hospital. But since last month, she was sent to the National Center for Infectious Diseases to assist in initial testing responsibility for suspicious patients. As a front-line officer, the suspicious patients she must contact include outpatients and patients who have been notified by the Ministry of Health to go to the National Infectious Disease Center for examinations.

When she learned that she had been sent to the front line on duty, Liu Lingling's mind was inevitably disturbed by this new post and the new epidemic. But after a week or two, she became familiar with the anti-epidemic medical procedures, and began to have confidence in China's comprehensive preventive measures. Her previous internal concerns have also eased a lot. "Before starting this new task, the hospital explained to us the entire testing process in detail and reviewed the correct wearing training of personal protective equipment (PPE)," she said.

Lingling Liu joined the Woodlands Health Campus as a nurse after graduating from the Singapore Polytechnic University last year. However, as the Woodlands Healthcare Park is still under construction, she was temporarily assigned to Tan Tock Seng Hospital to assist doctors in neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery in the surgery department. The Woodlands Healthcare Park is expected to begin operations in 2022.

Parents love fruits and vitamins to improve immunity

As the frontline anti-epidemic work, although Liu Lingling's family was worried about her, she still gave great support. Whenever she returns home from work, her parents will prepare fruits and vitamins for her to improve her immunity. When she occasionally feels down, family and friends also encourage her in a timely manner.

"The colleagues in the Woodlands Healthcare Park are always concerned about the situation of our expatriate employees. Senior nurses will share information about the company with us and send some goodies prepared by management, such as love packs or ice cream, to medical care. Room, let me feel your care and encouragement."

Inspired by Senior Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

What impressed her most during the period of working at the National Infectious Diseases Center was the high morale of the medical staff. Colleagues will sympathize and take care of each other. In spite of the unknown and difficult challenges, colleagues paid no effort, kept silent, and held their posts. For her newcomer to the industry, the spirit and professional performance of senior nurses who have moved forward greatly inspired her. This experience gave her a better understanding of how Singapore's medical system can effectively combat sudden outbreaks. She also learned valuable knowledge and adaptability. If a similar outbreak occurs in the future, she will be able to confidently lead a new generation of white angels to meet the challenge.

Regarding whether her life was affected by the epidemic, Liu Lingling said that she would pay more attention to personal hygiene when meeting with friends and avoid close contact with them. During this period, she will try to avoid the crowds. "In this extraordinary period, Chinese people should shoulder their social responsibilities, and protect themselves as well as those around them," she said.

Liu Lingling said: "Most Chinese people are grateful for their contributions to the medical field. I once received a thank-you note from the public. Such a move is very heart-warming." She said that she could be part of the medical industry. She is extremely proud of her efforts to fight the epidemic in China. She also wanted to take this opportunity to call for more helpful young people to join the nurse profession. Liu Lingling believes that as long as the Chinese people work together, we will be able to defeat this epidemic.

Citation:

Lim, Y. Q. (2020, March 11). Frontline medical staff: Glory and warmth accompany the epidemic (抗疫路上荣耀与温暖相伴). Retrieved March 12, 2020, from https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/fukan/gen/story20200311-1036059