Worksop nurse tells of pride as daughter volunteers for Nightingale Hospital

Paula Watkinson, a sister at Bassetlaw Hospital’s A&E department, said as a nurse she was ‘apprehensive’ but the critical job was what her daughter Chantelle Watkinson wanted.

Mum-of-two Paula said Chantelle - a clinical support worker - would be working solely with coronavirus patients - some in intensive care, others in recovery and some receiving end-of-life care.

Sixty critical care beds have been made available at the new hospital so far but the centre can provide up to 500 if needed.

Paula, who has worked at Bassetlaw Hospital for 11 years, told how Chantelle, 23, had to complete a two-day induction at the Harrogate site and could be called upon at any time to begin work there.

She said: “It’s a big thing - we work at a little hospital and she’s going to be at one of these big centres.

“As a mum I have concerns and as a nurse I know what it will be like - there is a risk but we’re hoping she will be protected with PPE (personal protective equipment).

“We’re really proud of her and she’ll be a good asset.”

Nurse Paula, 46, said neither she nor her daughter knew what to expect or how long Chantelle would be in Harrogate when she was called upon.

However she added: “It depends on how many patients there are but we’re preparing for the worst.

“She’s fine with it - she’s apprehensive but she put herself forward for it and just feels it’s her way of helping out wherever she can.

“She seems proud to be doing it - in years to come to know that she’s done her bit for the NHS and it's something she wanted to do.”

Aside from the risks Paula said the daunting position would give Chantelle valuable experience working alongside multi-disciplinary fields of medicine.

Her daughter will be working with Army medics helping patients transferred to the hospital from all over the country.

Paula added: “We really don’t know what it’s going to be like until all the patients start arriving.”

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