A doctor who recognised how daunting it must be for coronavirus patients to be admitted to hospital found a sweet way to make it a more comforting experience.
With some medical staff equipped with full personal protective equipment (PPE) – including masks, goggles and body suits – it could be a confusing experience for those they are treating.
Healthcare workers across the world are going above and beyond every day, working tirelessly around the clock to help those who come into their care – and risking their own health in the process.
Despite the monumental challenge in front of them, doctors, nurses and other medical staff continue to put their patients first.
A respiratory therapist called Robertino, who works at a hospital in San Diego, recognised how difficult it might be for those who had fallen ill to interact with staff who were covered up by protective equipment.
Posting on Instagram, he wrote: “Yesterday I felt bad for my patients in ER when I would come in the room with my face covered in PPE.
“A reassuring smile makes a big difference to a scared patient.
“So today I made a giant laminated badge for my PPE. So my patients can see a reassuring and comforting smile.”
Robertino had printed off a DIY badge stating his name and role, with a large photo of himself with a beaming smile below so each patient knew exactly who was treating them.
The heartwarming gesture has been picked up by plenty of other workers, with pictures of medical staff sticking photographs of themselves on their PPE being posted to social media.
A registered nurse, posting as @derekdevault on Instagram, added his own effort alongside two colleagues, writing: “Saw this idea on IG and thought it was a beautiful way to bring ease to our patients during this stressful time. Thank you to all the healthcare workers out there for battling on the frontlines.”
The idea has been praised online, with many suggesting that those working with children could even use photos of superheroes to cheer them up.
One commented: “Superb… what a wonderful job these people are doing. Much respect and much love. Heroes.”
Another said: “Love this. I had a visit by health visitors in full face masks a couple of weeks ago and was surprised how much it changed the tone and feel to not be able to see their faces. It’s quite intimidating.”