Patient looks back on ‘unforgettable days’ in Fangcang hospital in Wuhan (2)

When 62-year-old Wang Ning tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 13, he was transferred to Jiang’an Fangcang makeshift hospital in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, the next day.

On Feb. 27, he was discharged from the hospital. During those unforgettable days, he witnessed how a makeshift hospital received and treated patients, and how selfless medical workers did everything they could to ease patients’ fears.

On the first day there, Wang was provided with daily necessities, including brand new bedclothes and drugs. A nurse asked about his health and if he had underlying diseases, and checked his body temperature, blood oxygen and heart rate.

By chance, he also ran into his son, a policeman who had been so busy with his work that they hadn’t seen each other for days. He told him to continue with his work lest he become infected.

On Feb. 17, a special party was held to celebrate the birthdays of all the patients who were born in February. “I never thought that I would celebrate my birthday in a Fangcang makeshift hospital,” Wang said.

“The party strengthened the bond between medical staff and patients, and boosted our confidence in the fight against the virus,” he noted, adding that patients have become more optimistic since the party.

Patients could enjoy carious activities including dancing, singing and exercise. There were also shelves of books available for them to read, with topics ranging from history and economics, to fiction.

Wang described the hospital food as “pretty good”, and said there was milk, fruits, eggs, and snacks for patients to enjoy. There was also a good supply of personal items, including phone-charging lines for patients to stay connected with the outside world, as well as eye-covers and ear-plugs allowing them to sleep better.

A volunteer team has been set up in the hospital, which includes some patients. Wang was one of the volunteers.

Many people have contributed to the fight against the virus in the hospital, including medical staff, policemen, maintenance workers, cleaners and hotel owners who delivered food for the hospital, Wang said, adding that he hopes the epidemic will end soon, all the patients will be cured and all the medical staff will finally get the change to have a good rest.