Peking University, March 3, 2020: Among all members of PKUFH’s medical teams in Wuhan, three medics share an identical name: Wang Qian. While they come from different departments, they have the same faith—win the battle against COVID-19. Let’s take a look at their stories behind the fight against the novel coronavirus through the following three diaries.

Diary 1

February 12, 2020   Wednesday

I am Wang Qian, a nurse from the Infectious Diseases Department, Peking University First Hospital (PKUFH). I am also a member of PKUFH’s first batch of medical teams rushing to Wuhan, the epicenter of COVID-19.

On Lunar New Year, I decided to join the medical team without hesitation after I received a phone call from the hospital. It was a great honor for me to play my part in the battle against the novel coronavirus outbreak.   

I’ve never been to Wuhan before. As I arrived in Wuhan, I was impressed by the beautiful views on the street, although it was cold in winter. The street was quiet, with lanterns being hung alongside. It was difficult to associate such a beautiful city with the terrifying virus.

After a rigorous two-day training, we entered wards in the Tongji Hospital on January 29, together with members from the national medical team. Ten days later, our team, with 20 medical workers in the initial stage, has expanded to as many as 135 medical staff. 

The other day, a young member of our medical team celebrated her birthday here. She never expected that she would receive blessings in this occasion. She received wishes not only from the medical team, but also from Wuhan locals. When the courier heard that the birthday cake would be sent to the medical team, he walked and rode for six kilometers since some of the roads in Wuhan had been blocked. Moreover, he did not charge us delivery fee. 

During a night shift several days ago, our ward received quite a few critically ill patients. Many of them were even unable to look after themselves individually. Despite their poor health, these patients were grateful for our help. A woman, who wanted to express her appreciation to our team and convey her expectation of recovering from the disease, held my hand. Meanwhile, I also held her hand tightly and encouraged her. “Stay strong,” I told the woman.

I also remember a critically ill woman. When she was admitted to the medical ward, we couldn’t find her family. We made all-out efforts to provide medical help for three days in a row, but failed to save her life in the end. When we finally got in touch with her family members, the woman had passed away. 

The medical work was painstaking and exhausting, but it was heartwarming to see patients getting better and better day by day and receive messages of comfort from friends and relatives. We had special experiences during this unusual Lunar New Year holiday. Although what every individual can do is limited, mission will be accomplished with the strength of all people.

“My name is Wang Qian. I am from Peking University First Hospital. Stay strong, Wuhan! Stay strong, China!”

 

Wang Qian (Infectious Diseases Department)

Diary 2

February 12, 2020   Wednesday

I am Wang Qian, a nurse from the Urology Department, Peking University First Hospital. I am also a member of PKUFH’s third batch of medical teams rushing to Wuhan.

My husband and I are both nurses. Although we didn't go to the front line with the first batch of medical teams, we have been following the outbreak of COVID-19  closely every day.

On February 6, I received an urgent notice from PKUFH that we needed to set up a medical team to aid Wuhan. After a discussion with my husband, we both decided to sign up and join the team, with our young daughter being left at home. Although my husband was eventually required to remain working at PKUFH, I shared the same faith and responsibility with him as I headed to Wuhan.

It was snowy just before my departure. Although it was cold outside, I felt heartwarming, since my family, colleagues, and leaders from PKUFH came to see me off. I was about to face an unknown work environment, but I was not afraid of it at all. What I had more in my heart was the responsibility as a nurse who would fight against COVID-19 in this special period of time.

When I arrived in Wuhan, the city was quiet, and I could not help bursting with tears. Many medical staff worked day and night on the front line to bring the city back to prosperity. As a member of the medical team, I would definitely play my part in the battle against COVID-19.

We started our work right after we came to Wuhan; after all, working here was actually a race against time. After a long day of work, my nose turned red after being covered with a mask for a long time. My husband even said I looked more beautiful when he saw my red nose. Meanwhile, I was delighted to hear from him that he and our daughter were so proud of me. With words of encouragement from my beloved family, I will be committed to fighting against COVID-19 to the end with the whole medical team. 

“My name is Wang Qian. I am from Peking University First Hospital. Stay strong, Wuhan! Stay strong, China!”

 

Wang Qian (Urology Department)
 

Diary 3

February 12, 2020   Wednesday

I am a doctor and a member of PKUFH’s third batch of medical teams rushing to Wuhan. Today was my fifth day in Wuhan, and I went through ups and downs over the past few days. 

The novel coronavirus broke out before the Lunar New Year, and I saw many medical workers rush to the front line and fight against COVID-19 through messages on WeChat. When SARS broke out in 2003, I was only a probationer doctor, so I was not qualified to work on the front line. But this time, as a doctor who is specialized in hematology, I was eager to play my part in the battle against COVID-19.

Six days ago, at 4 p.m. on February 6, 2020, I received the command of aiding Wuhan. I was excited for a while, because I could contribute to the battle against COVID-19. I have only 14 hours left before heading to Wuhan with other members of the medical team. After packing my luggage, I sent a message to my parents, telling them I would go to Wuhan soon. “Stay strong! Take care! Please come back home safe and sound!” my mom replied. Despite her simple, plain words, I burst into tears immediately.

Five days ago, I arrived in Wuhan with the medical team. This was my first time in Wuhan. It was cold. The airport and the streets were empty. The scene reminded me of the sci-fi movie Resident Evil. I felt a little depressed. For a while, anxiety overwhelmed. How serious is the epidemic here? Is protective gear sufficient? Are daily supplies guaranteed? Before having more time to think about the unknown situation , we had arrived at the hotel where we would stay. My anxiety faded away as my colleagues were relieved. Leaders of the hospital, who had arrived earlier, made thoughtful preparation and arrangement for us. They even gave us hot-water bags in the evening and recorded a weepy video of blessing on Lantern Festival. Although the city was severely hit by COVID-19, love and care remained.

It was my fifth day in Wuhan. The intensive work dispelled my nervousness. We were responsible for a medical ward in which 50 beds were quickly occupied. I heard that many patients and their families were infected with COVID-19. An old man in his eighties came to the hospital alone, and all his family members were being treated in an isolation ward. It was very heartbreaking to see how painful they were at this moment. Together with my colleagues, I wish them a speedy recovery. 

It was my first night shift in Wuhan yesterday. Everything went well. This night shift was arduous, but I didn't feel tired. When I left the medical ward at 10:30 in the morning, it was still cold outside, but passion sprang up from my heart. I will be committed to the battle against COVID-19 and look forward to the next shift.

 

Wang Qian (Hematology Department)

Translated by: Wei Qijia
Edited by: Liu Xin
Source: Peking University First Hospital