BBC News showcases the “remarkable” care shown by UCLH staff

The "remarkable" care shown by UCLH staff treating COVID-19 patients was top story on BBC News on Monday evening.

Medical correspondent Fergus Walsh spent a day filming in our intensive care unit (ICU) – the first time in England a news channel has been given such access since the COVID-19 outbreak began.

During the emotive report, Fergus took viewers to the frontline in the battle against COVID-19 so they could see how the NHS is managing the biggest healthcare challenge in modern history.

ICU matron Elaine Thorpe said she had never experienced a situation like this in her 23 years as an intensive care nurse.

She had a strong message for the public: “I want people to listen very carefully to what the government and we in the NHS are saying. The situation is very serious and unless people stay home, it will continue.”

ICU consultant Jim Down spoke about how we are preparing to care for large numbers of COVID-19 patients. He also paid a moving tribute to his family. “In a way it is easy for me to come to work because I am busy all day but it is hard on my family at home,” he said.

“They have been amazing in supporting me to do what I need to do. I am incredibly grateful to them.”

Fergus also interviewed a patient on the unit who was using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. CPAP delivers oxygen to the lungs without needing a ventilator. University College London engineers worked with clinicians at UCLH and Mercedes Formula One to build the device seen in the report. Read more

Fergus Walsh said this was the most significant story of his career because of the need to inform the public during a time of national emergency.

“It was humbling to watch the resilience of our NHS staff who are the heroes in this crisis. Their care and dedication deserves all our gratitude,” he said.

“My sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone at UCLH. The way you have transformed care for COVID-19 patients is remarkable.”