Controlling our collective destiny

As an Infection Control Practitioner at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Lorna fully believes that when it comes to the coronavirus, we are each responsible for controlling our collective destiny. Everyone must play a role by performing good hygiene, wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing – the recipe for success in preventing transmission. “If we work together using evidence and best practices, we can do what is needed to control this virus and keep each other safe,” she says.

Lorna is encouraged by the way St. Joseph’s communicates regular updates from local, provincial and federal governments to staff. It helps everyone at the organization stay up to date with the latest information and builds solidarity – the sense “we’re all in this together.”

In the long term, Lorna believes the challenges presented by the pandemic will ultimately improve the care experience for patients and their families. “Some of the alternate models of care St. Joseph’s has put into practice have shown that we can provide certain services in new ways. Virtual care, for instance, is an opportunity to expand on the care we provide face-to-face.”

Lorna is still adjusting to the “new normal” by limiting the amount of time she spends outside the home and keeping a safe distance from friends and family. Time away from others has allowed her to see how kind and caring people really are. Many of her friends have made a point of checking in to see how she’s doing, which has been heartwarming. “This crisis has given us an opportunity to connect with each other in news ways.”

Good communication, adherence to best practices and love for each other will determine how well we emerge from the pandemic, Lorna says.  Be there for one another, she reminds us,  because we cannot do this alone.