Life-altering battle with long Covid inspires nurse, of East Harling, near Thetford, to lead changes at NHS trust

On International Nurses' Day (May 12) a learning disability nurse has shared her life-altering battle with long Covid and the measures she hopes will help colleagues with disabilities.

Jennifer Hartman, of East Harling, near Thetford, was left with a voice disorder after she contracted Covid-19 three years ago.

The nurse, who works with children and young people with learning disabilities for Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), first caught Covid in April 2022 and again in January 2023.

Initially her symptoms were mild but the lasting impact made a huge difference to her life.

Jenny said: "It stole my voice, and with it, a huge part of how I communicate and connect with others.

"It affected my heart, my nervous system, and left me dizzy, unsteady, and constantly feeling like my body was shutting down. I say 'fatigue', but that word doesn't even come close.

“It was more like a heavy fog - mentally, emotionally, and physically - that never lifted. Some days, just getting out of bed or holding a conversation felt impossible."

Jenny faced significant struggles especially when it came to getting the reasonable adjustments she needed at work.

She has recently become chair of the ability staff network and is now driving change for people with disabilities using her own experience as motivation.

"I stepped up to the chair role because I didn't want anyone else to feel invisible or unheard,” Jenny said.

“I knew I had to do something with what I'd been through. That's why I fight so hard in this role, for awareness, for better systems, and for every single person who feels like they've been left behind.

"Those who supported me through that process were incredible, and I hope that my voice and actions can help spark real change.

“My focus now is on ensuring that others don't face the same obstacles I did."

Through the network, Jenny wants NSFT to be a guiding example in supporting disabled staff, keeping their voices heard and experiences valued, so everyone can feel supported in their roles.

With Jenny's help, the trust has already launched a new communications tool to aid accessibility.

She said: "The tool allows staff to inform the ICT team of their communication preferences.

“For example, I have a voice disorder, so my profile notes that I shouldn't be contacted by phone. It's about making adjustments simple, respectful, and effective."

Jenny said being a nurse has given her a deep understanding of healthcare systems, but it has also helped her develop resilience and empathy.

“As a nurse, I've learned to be resourceful and to seek out solutions, even when things feel overwhelming,” she said.

"I also have a unique perspective on the importance of holistic care - looking at the person as a whole, not just their symptoms.

“This has helped me not only in managing my own health challenges but also in understanding the struggles of others who may be going through similar issues, particularly with long Covid."

Jenny added: "Nursing is all about building relationships, and I'm lucky to work alongside such dedicated, compassionate individuals.

“The work I'm doing now with the ability staff network is also right up there. Being able to advocate for change and support disabled staff gives me the chance to make a real difference and seeing the positive impact it's having is incredibly rewarding."

"It's a career where you can make a real, lasting difference in people's lives. I adore the work I do and if I could choose my career again, I absolutely would choose this one."

Anthony Deery, chief nurse at NSFT, paid tribute to the dedication shown by the trust's nurses.

He said: "Nurses at NSFT work in a vast variety of settings and within many different services, but wherever they are, people turn to them for care, compassion, knowledge and skills, day and night and we thank them for their dedication.

"On International Nurses' Day, I want to say a huge thank you from me to all our nurses at NSFT for your compassion and dedication and the positive difference you make to the lives of our service users, patients, carers and families."