Michael Parker's story

Michael Parker, Medical Engineering ALS Section Head

“Day-to-day I lead a team that is responsible for ensuring all equipment in the Trust meets our requirements and standards, and that it is connected correctly so that clinicians can use it to safely treat our patients.

“When COVID-19 hit, our team’s workload multiplied overnight. We had to ensure we had enough equipment – and the right equipment – to keep ITU going as more and more seriously ill patients came into our hospitals needing life-saving care.

“The usual strict protocol when procuring medical equipment went out of the window. The race was on to support our patients and offers of equipment flooded in from all over the world, but sadly some of the kit being offered didn’t meet our safety requirements and simply wasn’t fit for purpose. I spent a lot of time on the phone dealing with overseas companies and national bodies to try and ensure that we, as a Trust, were one step ahead in terms of having what we need to deal with the rapid increases in patients.

“On one surreal day, following a delivery from China facilitated by the government, I had calls from both the Cabinet Office and the Scottish Government asking for feedback on the equipment. Later that day, I had a call from the Producer of BBC One daytime drama ‘Doctors’ asking if any of the equipment they had on-set could be of use. Their studio is based in Cotteridge so I visited to inspect it myself. Sadly none of it could be used but this gesture, along with so many others, was incredibly thoughtful.

“Despite the pressure and panic, we fortunately managed to secure, test and install enough equipment to get us through the worst of the peak – but at times it looked close. We put ventilators at every bed space and in every theatre, and whilst doing this, we were also supporting the planning and installation of equipment for the Nightingale Hospital at the NEC.

“The past year or so has been tough – I was part of calls that I wouldn’t usually be privy to, where doctors, nurses and legal colleagues had to consider what steps might need to be taken if we ran out of equipment. I think that was the real wake up call for me that COVID-19 is very real, very dangerous and that despite all our best efforts and rallying, it might actually overwhelm us. When the second wave hit in January it felt as though a big tsunami hit us at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and that we were all aboard a great battleship fighting back the surge. But, even though there were more patients at that time, we were better prepared.

“I’m incredibly proud to lead a team of medical engineers and to have played a part in getting the Trust and our patients through such challenging times. As a team we’re often in the background, and although we’d much prefer it to have been in different circumstances, we will never forget the gratitude and appreciation shown by our colleagues working in ITU and beyond.”