A covid patient who spent a night in hospital said staff 'deserve a gold medal' after he experienced the 'nightmare' of the virus firsthand.
Danny Ryan, from Wallasey in Wirral, said the ward was full of "noise and flashing lights" at Arrowe Park Hospital as nurses and doctors fought to save people's lives.
The 48-year-old, who said nurses were "trying their absolute best", suffered from breathing breathing difficulties, fatigue and delirium, due to Covid-19.
The full-time carer, who looks after his wife Emma Ryan, 49, who is disabled, was admitted to hospital on January 21 for an evening.
An NHS spokesperson said Arrowe Park Hospital is currently “exceptionally busy” due to Covid-19, but that there are "clear procedures in place to deal with any escalating demands."
Mr Ryan, who was discharged on the evening of January 22, shared a rare insight into the happenings inside the hospital
He told the ECHO how the ward was "very noisy due to staff shouting across ventilators" and also found it cold due to windows being open due to ventilation guidance.
The ECHO understands the heating is on at the hospital and blankets are offered to patients if they are cold.
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One of the most harrowing parts of his experience, Mr Ryan said, was talking to patients who were on the ward with him.
He said some had difficulties with mobility and eating, while others were bordering on the brink of death.
He told the ECHO: "Staff deserve a medal for giving everything to make sure as many people as possible survive."
Mr Ryan, thankfully did not become severely unwell with covid, but said the night he spent in hospital was like “a nightmare”.
He is still also feeling after effects of the virus and said washing his face "feels like running a marathon" due to the extreme fatigue he still feels.
Emma Ryan, his wife, said the hospital’s communication with her regarding Danny’s condition was not good enough, however said they are "doing an amazing job under the difficult circumstances".
The couple told the ECHO they hope Mr Ryan's account will prove to people the trauma facing many in hospital and the challenges staff are facing.
Mrs Ryan added that people need to "follow the lockdown to the letter, given the immensely serious consequences of the virus spreading."
An NHS spokesperson said: “Arrowe Park Hospital is currently exceptionally busy treating patients, including significant numbers of patients with Covid-19 as well as high rates of emergency admissions during this exceptional winter period, and there are clear procedures in place to deal with any escalating demands.
“We strive to deliver the best standards of care through our dedicated and professional staff and have a designated family support team to maintain contact with loved ones, in addition to clinicians speaking to families to regularly update them on the progress of their loved ones.”
