The backbone of Brisbane: Nurses celebrated after ‘tough’ year

When our nurses put their uniforms on they take on far more responsibility than their job title conveys. Here’s why these unsung heroes deserve our praise for keeping us safe during the pandemic.

They’re the unsung heroes who have worked day and night over the past 15 months to keep Queenslanders safe. When our nurses put their uniforms on they take on far more responsibility than their job title might convey.

The risk and rewards of being a frontline health worker during a global pandemic is something Brisbane nurses are reflecting on this International Nurses Day.

For nurse Eric Chuang the safety of his newborn baby girl played on his mind every day that he walked through the doors of Mater Hospital.

“I have to make sure I’m going home in a healthy condition to protect my family, not just myself, and also the people I am looking after,” he said.

Mr Chuang said he aimed to ease the burden of isolation his patients felt when visitors weren’t allowed at the hospital.

“Even helping them with technology, especially the elderly,” he said.

“If they’re not sure how to Facetime their family that’s something we’ve helped with.

“We just try to get a smile from them.”

Nurses Eric Chuang, Herbata Tesfazgy and Jen Byrne. Pic: Adam Head

Director of Mater at Home Fiona Hinchliffe said she was proud of the way all hospital staff had adapted to changes brought by COVID-19 and an increase in patients.

Mater in November launched emergency care as part of its hospital-in-the-home service in a bid to minimise the risk of outbreaks.

“During the pandemic, it was imperative we kept hospital beds free and kept frail and elderly people away from an environment where they were vulnerable,” Ms Hinchcliffe said.

Hospital-at-home nurse Jen Byrne said the nurses she worked with felt appreciation from the Brisbane community.

“It’s a really challenging time and I feel for my colleagues overseas and for how many have lost their lives to the pandemic,” she said.

“I think it’s really been a time where society as whole really appreciates and looks at what nursing does for everybody.”