Physiotherapy and the front line

A few words about my amazing flatmate and friend, Grace Brennan.

When Grace accepted a graduate position as a physiotherapist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in late 2019, it was impossible to foresee how she would be swept into the tsunami that is COVID-19.

As a physio in a public hospital, Grace goes to work every day while the rest of the world is told to stay at home. She tells me that she isn’t on ‘the front-line’. However, she can still tell me all about those who are.

She knows that wards have been cleared in anticipation of future COVID-19 patients. She knows that medical staff have to wash their hands after removing each piece of PPE – a process that can take over 15 minutes. She knows when each new patient is admitted to intensive care. She knows that her workflow has changed to prevent unnecessary movement within the wards. And, that she is to pack her uniform and get changed at work to minimise contamination. Then wash her clothes in hot water when she returns home.

She knows to take this seriously, because the Director uses words like ‘low tide’ and ‘tsunami’ and ‘hits’ during team meetings. She’s witnessed the Metro North Health Service adapt and prepare, and has been inspired by the leadership of senior physiotherapy consultants.

As Grace moves into her next graduate rotation, from the medical wards to the Intensive Care Unit, there’s a very real possibility that she could be treating patients with COVID-19. So, despite downplaying the impact beginning her physiotherapy career in a pandemic has had, it’s clear that Grace is much closer to this then she lets on.

So, thank you, Grace. Thanks for not signing up to this, but for showing up – everyday – anyway.

(Also, cheers for the half price Grill’d #healthhero)