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Nurses praised for heroic efforts following Westminster terror attack

Staff from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation trust ran towards Westminster Bridge to help victims of a terrorist attack.

Nurses and other healthcare staff have been praised for their swift and professional response to a terrorist attack in Westminster which left four dead and dozens injured.


Nurses from St Thomas' hospital load blankets outside the hospital on March 22, 2017 in London
Picture: Getty Images

There was widespread panic on Wednesday after a man drove a car along a pavement on Westminster Bridge knocking down pedestrians.

The attacker then headed towards parliament where he stabbed an unarmed police officer before being shot dead by police.

Casualties were treated at five hospitals across London including Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, which is located minutes away from where the attacks took place.

Quick-thinking

Staff from St Thomas' Hospital were seen by eyewitnesses running towards the scene and have been commended by the public and across the media for their efforts.

Rob Lyon was walking across Westminster Bridge at the time and jumped into the road to avoid being hit by the attacker’s car. He told Channel 4 News: ‘You could see people being hit as he carried on up the pavement. It was quite horrible to see.

‘I called 999 straight away…and I hadn’t realised how close St Thomas’ Hospital was and there were nurses and doctors running up the bridge in line with the rest of the other emergency services. That was the only positive –  you saw people coming together.’

Casualty numbers

Lead for counter terrorism policing and acting deputy commissioner, Mark Rowley, said that there are currently four dead and 29 people were treated in hospital.

‘We are still collating numbers of walking wounded and of those in hospital, sadly seven of them are in a critical condition.

‘Tragically the deaths included PC Keith Palmer who was protecting parliament, and two members of the public – a woman in her mid-40s and a man in his mid-50s.

‘The fourth man of course was the terrorist who was shot dead by armed police at the scene.’

One of the victims of the attack has been named as 43-year-old Aysha Frade, who worked at DLD College London, close to Westminster Bridge.

Staff response

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: ‘I would like to thank all staff who were involved in the response to the terrible event yesterday.

‘The trust’s major incident procedures have worked well, and there has been an excellent response from both clinical and non-clinical staff. My thoughts are with all affected by this appalling tragedy.’

A man and woman being treated at St Thomas’ Hospital following the incident are both in a stable condition.

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said staff had treated eight patients in the wake of the attack.

A number of high-profile nurses commented on Twitter about the bravery of healthcare professionals.

RCN president Cecilia Anim said: ‘Sincere thanks and support for all healthcare and personnel supporting all affected by the incident yesterday, they are in our thoughts.’

International Council of Nursing nursing and health policy consultant and former RCN head of policy, Howard Catton, tweeted: ‘Thinking about home tonight and the enormous dedication and professionalism of all the nursing, medical and emergency services staff.’

'Proud'

Unison head of nursing Gail Adams said: ‘A massive shout out to everyone who responded to the major incident and those working through the night to care for them.’

Dozens of Nursing Standard readers have also taken to social media, commenting on Facebook about the attacks.

One said: ‘This is why I'm still proud to say "yes I am a nurse and yes I work in the NHS."'

Another added: ‘Well done to each and every one of the staff from St Thomas’ hospital who went to the aid of all the injured. I for one, am so proud to be part of the NHS putting the sick and injured first is what we do best.’


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