During the pandemic, Marie Curie Nurses like Judy Lever have continued to provide life-changing care even if it means putting themselves at risk.
Having been a nurse all her life, caring for others is in Judy Lever’s DNA. So in March last year when she was asked if she wanted to take a step back from her job as a Marie Curie Nurse because of the pandemic she was quick to respond. Judy, who aged 70 was classed as ‘at risk’ from Covid, says: “I was never scared about carrying on nursing. I felt lucky to be fit and well and while I knew there was a small risk of bringing it back to my family, for me, giving my patients some normality was the most important thing.”
Nevertheless, almost overnight Judy’s job changed as masks, visors, gloves and aprons became part and parcel of her visits to terminally ill patients. “I have found it sad not to be able to hold a patient’s hand or give relatives a hug but you find ways around it,” says Judy. “I now communicate more with my eyes above the mask.”
Having always believed in the power of making people laugh, whatever their situation, she’s also found ways of turning the PPE into a little joke. “When I come into patient’s houses with all my gear, I hold my hands up and say ‘yes, I know I look ridiculous’ and they all laugh,” she says. There was also a recent incident where Judy was nursing a gentleman with Motor Neurone Disease and she got her apron in a tangle. “Honestly it was like something from Carry On Nurse but the patient later said it was the funniest thing he’d seen in weeks. That humour is so important especially in these fearful times,” she says.
However Judy adds there have been challenging moments during the pandemic, especially when a patient dies and she has had time to get to know them well. “Early on in the pandemic, I found the sadness of some of the patients really got to me and I wasn’t sleeping very well,” she says. “I think without suppers with friends, the emotional effects of work can become locked in our heads.”
But talking to her colleagues has often helped as has yoga and open-water swimming. Judy, who is based in Dumfries, says: “I started swimming in the Scottish lochs this year because I’d planned to do a big sponsored swimming challenge to mark my 70th birthday but while that was cancelled I kept swimming anyway as I found it really calmed my head,” she says.
Meanwhile Judy says she is pleased she chose to carry on working during the pandemic and hopes to continue nursing for many more years. “I always say I don’t feel I’m looking after people who are dying, I’m helping care for those who are living. I’ve experienced a lot of loss in my own life, having cared for my mother and then a very close friend, so it’s a nice feeling for me to be able to help people who are going through something similar. It’s a great privilege to do what I do.”
Support just a phone call away
Marie Curie has a telephone support line for anyone who is affected by terminal illness and looking for practical information or emotional support.
You don’t need to have used the charity’s services or be directly involved in a loved-one’s care to phone.
Call free on 0800 090 2309 (open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 11am-5pm on Saturday).
