We've all know the phrase 'don the green jersey'. It's used endlessly when people volunteer to do their bit for the national cause. In the past few weeks, we've seen an inspiring increase in doctors and nurses 'donning the green medical scrubs' in order to do their bit for Ireland as we try to cope with his pandemic.
I don't know we've heard a more inspiring story than that of Katie Murphy, who returned to the hospital floor this week at St Finnbarr's hospital in Cork. Katie is trained as a nurse but had been working as a diabetes nurse facilitator with the HSE. She opted to do her patriotic duty and sign up for the battle against Covid-19. Her story was shared by the HSE yesterday.
Two of our healthcare heroes at St Finbarr's in Cork city - will you join them? Current staff who can increase their hours should contact their manager. Healthcare workers who can join us should contact derek.ogorman or 021-4928750. #ckch #covid19 #InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/ImteYGNkyy
— CorkKerryCommunityHealthcare (@CorkKerryCH) March 31, 2020
“I was sitting just doing my paperwork, I felt there was something more, better I could be doing in the current environment,” she says in the video.
"The staff have been very nice and supportive but obviously I need a lot of training in to get back and upskilled to be working at Registered General Nurse level."
No one would have begrudged Katie if she continued in her 9-5 job. We've seen a lot of celebrities doing various bits to make a difference in this battle against coronavirus, and that's all well and good, but its acts of modest selflessness like this from Katie that deserve proper attention.
In the video, Maura Twohig, director of nursing at St Finbarr’s Hospital says that the HSE needs more Katie's.
"This is the fight of our lives. This is what we trained for. I’m proud of the staff who are standing with me.”
“We’ve never needed staff so much to come back into the service because we need front-line staff.
"We’ll welcome you with open arms, we’ll help you train in. You’re needed now more than ever.”
