To thank those who have continued to work so hard this past year, some lucky NHS colleagues from across Hampshire and Isle of Wight were recently selected to attend a Wimbledon match on Sunday 3 July. Solent NHS Trust, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) all put forward COVID heroes.
Zoe VanWilligen, lead physiotherapist at UHS, was just one of the fortunate colleagues to be selected to go, recognised for her passion, care and expertise. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoe was working closely within the multi-disciplinary team alongside colleagues from ICU and HDU, supporting patients who had suffered debilitating strokes, head injuries and much more – many of them who had spent time on life support or in a coma.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a massive challenge, with the Critical Care Department seeing increasing pressures and overrun by the most poorly of patients left with the long-lasting impact of COVID-19. Without doubt, Zoe has helped so many patients to recover – supporting them in learning to walk and talk again in some cases – and ultimately returning them home with their loved ones. Her colleagues would say she is a true hero in every sense.
We recently caught up with Zoe to see how her day went. She said: “I felt so very lucky to be nominated and win tickets for Wimbledon on centenary Sunday! It was such a huge treat not to have to queue for a change! And lovely for my husband to be able to join me as he’s been such a huge support at home while work has been all consuming during COVID. Thank you, thank you!”
