In Shanghai, Hunan medics nurse elderly with care

Before she was discharged from Shuguang Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shanghai, a 101-year-old woman surnamed Chen gave medical workers who had come from Hunan province a thumbs-up to express her gratitude.

"Because of the difficulties understanding my Shanghai dialect, please accept my thumbs-up," she said.

Chen was transferred from another hospital in the city to Shuguang Hospital on May 12 after being diagnosed with COVID-19. She showed some severe symptoms.

"She has some underlying diseases — hypertension, cardiac insufficiency and diabetes," said Li Jinxiu, director of the critical care medicine department of Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Hunan province. "She was in critical condition when she arrived."

Protective suits, masks and face screens, as well as language difficulties, challenged the medical aid team from Hunan.

They found a bone fracture in Chen's left shoulder and immediately treated it. However, that meant that she would miss the most effective therapy for COVID-19. The team quickly adjusted.

After a series of treatments, including support for her heart and blood, bowel cleansing and nutrition, Chen's condition improved significantly.

On Monday, she was discharged from the hospital after twice testing negative for the coronavirus.

The medical team prepared detailed notes for nursing care for Chen after discharge and bundled up some daily necessities for her.

"We have different treatment plans for each of the elderly patients with serious and complex underlying diseases and have produced remarkable results," said Fan Maiying, director of the emergent intensive care unit of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital. "The nursing team also played an important role during the process with their professional attitude and careful work."

Since members of the medical aid team from Hunan arrived in Shanghai on April 19, they have received 67 COVID-19 patients with an average age over 80. All were in severe condition.

Of those, 49 have been discharged or transferred to other hospitals as their condition improved, including a 100-year-old male who was discharged on May 8.