The number of corona patients admitted to hospital and intensive care units (ICU) has been low for weeks after the corona peak in March and April. Nevertheless, there are still concerns among hospital staff, says Diederik Gommers, chairman of the Dutch Association for Intensive Care (NVIC) in conversation with NU.nl. “Nurses want to feel heard. Now there is a bit of an atmosphere: do you hear us?”
Last week it turned out that the number of corona infections has risen sharply. Do you think the so dreaded second wave is coming?
“I am just as expert in this as you are. I cannot predict. The number of infections has increased as a wake-up call. Only when more patients are hospitalized is it an alarm signal. It could be that you will see that in two weeks. “
“But I don’t expect problems until the common cold viruses come in December or January. It might get exciting.”
During the corona peak, pressure was high on hospital staff, especially in intensive care units. How are you doing there now?
“There is quite a relaxed atmosphere on the ICU. There are many empty beds and therefore there is a lot of time to talk to nurses.”
What is their message during those conversations?
“There is still a bit of anger. It is no longer new when we have a new outbreak and everyone expects the nurses and doctors to do the same thing again.”
“But it is also said that ordinary care and ordinary life should continue. That is going to be quite difficult. I notice that the willingness to put up with it all is more of a discussion. But on the other hand, say we are also against each other: if a patient is at the door, we treat him. “
“I’m not worried, but nurses want to feel heard. Now the IC has a bit of an atmosphere about it: do you hear us?”
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ICU nurses don’t always feel heard, now that few corona patients are in the hospital. (Photo: Pro Shots)
In March and April you did not have time to run IC services yourself. Have you been able to pick it up again?
“There were a lot of meetings back then and I had a lot to arrange. We work here for a week and have an agreement that you have to be in the workplace and not have any other obligations. There were times when I put on my white coat to take a look at the workplace, also to have that feeling again. “
“I still like it (working in intensive care, ed.). It sounds very strange and you don’t want anyone to get that corona, but from my profession it is really interesting. We did not know what happened and then it goes It tickles with us. For us it is like candy in a candy store and a lot of fun with colleagues to solve that puzzle. “
You are chairman of the Dutch Association for Intensive Care. The corona crisis gave you a prominent role and put you in the spotlight. Do you therefore regret that you ever became president of that association?
“No, it was a crisis, but what I went through is an incredible experience. I was just lucky. I am a bit of a crisis manager and this is perfect for me.”
“I really enjoy the work that I do. Everyone is worried about whether I am going on holiday and not working too hard. No, this is very nice work and I am very honored to have been allowed to do it.”
During that debate, you were called by an employee of Minister Hugo de Jonge (Public Health) if you could make a pledge that there would be sufficient IC beds a few days later. You became during that conversation put under pressure make that statement. Have you already discussed this with Minister De Jonge?
“I got an app from Hugo that we are going to drink coffee together after his vacation. And as far as I am concerned, this is finished.”
“I explained in that phone call that I was also not 100 percent sure. If that is important for politics, they should not have asked me that question. I knew that all colleagues were working hard, but unfortunately I could not press a button that knew exactly that there would be sixteen hundred beds. “
“That is the difference between a doctor and a politician: we make decisions so often, even if we are not 100 percent sure. We often do not have 100 percent in the medical world. Apparently, politicians want to assume that. Well, then don’t call a doctor. “
You were one of the figureheads of the corona crisis and thus became a famous Dutchman. What do you think about that?
“I find it uncomfortable. My goal is to put intensive care on the map. We have now shown that we are really well-trained specialists and that we have to sit at the front of the tables. As a result, I became a well-known Dutchman yes, that is apparently a necessary evil. “
“You shouldn’t make me special, I’m just a doctor. When I walk down the street, people are very friendly and thank me. I like it when people are positive about me, but I would also love it if everyone wouldn’t say goodbye again. I’m just one of the six hundred intensivists. No more, no less. “
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