I was a patient at TCH for a few days with COVID. Martina treated me like a person and not a disease.  She helped to explain a very scary disease process in a way that I understood and didn’t make me feel stupid.  She was not afraid to come into my room even though I know it took a lot of effort to put on all the required “space suit” stuff.  She checked on me frequently which was a feat in itself when you have to put on all the blue stuff.  When you have to have the door shut all the time, it was so nice to see a face on occasion.  She was attentive but not stifling and I appreciated that.  She had a great sense of humor and helped me to stay positive.  She understands the importance of a reassuring touch and just a touch on the shoulder helped me to calm down and not be so anxious. 

Just the diagnosis of COVID makes people anxious and then you put them in a room with the door shut and then minimize the people in and out and then no family can come in makes one very scared and anxious.  Martina did a great job of understanding this and did the best she could to make me feel cared for and didn’t downplay my anxiety or worries.  She helped me in a time when I really needed it.