Hospital workers make extra effort to support medical staff

All over the country, doctors and nurses are putting their lives on the line to fight against the coronavirus outbreak. But perhaps often forgotten are the support staff that is committed to making those professionals' lives easier.

Wang Xiangfan is a security guard at one of southern Guangzhou's top hospitals. When he first applied for the job, he never imagined work would be so hard. Due to a surge in the number of patients, the 22-year-old had to work up to 12 hours a day, in 15 straight days.

But the hardest part is that he has to work long hours in protective gear. This adds a strain to his energy and concentration levels. The normal advice would be to drink more water, but the working conditions with high risks of exposure to the virus require him to change his protection suit every time he uses the bathroom.

Wang gives directions to patients inside the hospital. /CGTN Photo

These protection suits, however, are in short supply, so he took the higher road. "I try to drink less water to avoid going to the bathroom. Doctors and nurses need the protection gear the most. I don't want to waste it," said Wang.

However, not everyone is happy with his commitment and dedication. "My parents check in on me every night and call me. They ask me to quit the job and leave the hospital because it's too dangerous here," Wang said.

The same is true for 66-year-old sanitation worker, Chen Taomei, who has been working at the hospital for more than a decade. And she fully understands the moral dilemma many workers face.

Chen Taomei sweeps the hospital floor. /CGTN Photo

"My whole family is against me. I told them I just can't quit in this critical moment. So many people are in need of help. I have nothing to be afraid of. All I'm thinking is that we must win the fight against the epidemic. You see, we won the battle against SARS, we will win this time, too!" Chen said in tears.

Working in a hospital is never easy, so every single victory must be celebrated. Before leaving the hospital, CGTN crew witness saw several workers taking photos in the reception desk and the reason was very simple: "We saw fewer patients coming today," one of them said, with a broad smile on his face.