In our new series we are presenting the changes that the current epidemiological situation has brought upon the lives of the university staff working in different areas. Our first article is about Dr. Péter Krivácsy, Head of the Emergency Patient Care Unit of the 1st Department of Paediatrics. According to him the current situation means a lot of work and preparation, but for him it is a challenge to be solved.
“Our lives have been turned upside down in all areas but now I am focusing on the task to be solved. If everybody does their best, we can achieve results. The situation causes me positive stress which I find inspiring.”, said dr. Dr. Péter Krivácsy, Head of the Emergency Patient Care Unit of the 1st Department of Paediatrics.
Emergency Patient Care Units are considered the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. The department is a designated point of care with regards to infections caused by the coronavirus. The entire system of patient care had to be redesigned in preparation for the epidemiological situation, which required significant efforts in organization and logistics.
“We have reinforced our numbers at the Emergency Care Unit, the staff is working in constant rotation as it is very demanding to be in the frontline in such a situation. Patients with the slightest suspicion of the infection are treated in a separate building, with different patient pathways, in full protective equipment and tests are performed in every case.”, he said.
An infectious ward has also been set up where complete isolation is possible in case a patient suspected of COVID-19 has to be admitted.
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The current situation has brought many changes in the private life of Dr. Péternek Krivácsy. It is hard for him not to meet his adult children who are protecting him in this way as every doctor and nurse is needed. He does not see his elderly parents and his friends either.
“At the same time, however, my relationship with my colleagues has grown stronger. It is not easy to relax in the current situation but I find the clapping for healthcare workers at 8 pm inspiring and it makes me feel good to listen to it from my balcony if I am at home.”, he said.
He was also greatly moved by the adaptation of an old Hungarian pop hit which was performed by numerous Hungarian singers to thank the work of those who cannot stay at home.
“The current situation involves a lot of work and preparation so that we can provide the greatest security possible. This includes the continued and unchanged care of children with chronic diseases and the treatment provided for patients without any suspicion of coronavirus. In addition to adapting to the new circumstances we are also trying to focus on giving advice on minor health issues to parents staying at home. Overall, in addition to the challenge of stopping the epidemic, our task is to keep on providing all sick children with safe healthcare. This is our job day by day.”, said Dr. Péternek Krivácsy
Pálma Dobozi
Photo: Attila Kovács
Translation: Ágnes Raubinek
