Officer Cadet Beth Oelmann

In her hometown of Cardiff, second-year student nurse Officer Cadet Beth Oelmann has volunteered to work in the city’s University Hospital as a student nurse/health care support worker, treating patients suffering from COVID and other illnesses.

“I knew that I could help make a difference to patients’ care and my URNU training has provided me with the confidence to confront any issue face on,” the 21-year-old said.

“I’m in a fortunate position to be able help in the crisis without affecting others around me and grateful that I am able to help in any way.”

With family visits to hospital severely limited by the virus outbreak, Beth has seen its impact on patients – and their recovery.

She and fellow nurses have done their utmost to plug that gap and focus on the emotional wellbeing of those on the wards – including a friend and fellow student nurse who contracted the virus and spent 22 days in intensive care.

“Each day we heard how the nurses cared for her and I knew I wanted other family members to feel the same way I felt about my friend,” she added.

The student has also been surprised by how much of her 18 months with the Royal Navy has helped in her hospital work – and above all, the support of her shipmates and the wider general public.

“I feel an innate sense of pride in being just a small part of this huge movement, the teamwork has been inspiring to see,” Beth added.

Trainee doctor Midshipman Harriet Sexton

In Oxford URNU trainee doctor Midshipman Harriet Sexton has volunteered to help her local GP practice checking in on vulnerable patients and making sure they are up to date with the current advice, as well as stocked with food and medicines.

“I also call an elderly lady every day,” Harriet added. “She lives alone and has major health problems. I’m really enjoying the experience and our conversation topics have ranged from the Kardashians to the Great British Sewing Bee. I leave every call feeling like I’ve really made a difference to someone’s day.”

Her Oxford URNU Officer Cadet Anya Piotrowicz is studying to become an Emergency Care Assistant – paramedic – at Oxford Brookes after which she’ll be on the front-line of care and medical provision.

As well as preparing for online exams and completing online portfolios, she’s continuing revision for her C1 driving test (theory and practical) which will allow her to drive ambulances and volunteering with patient transport, moving ill and recovered COVID patients between their homes and hospitals or vice versa.

Midshipman Benjamin Fernando

Midshipman Benjamin Fernando, a PhD student on Environmental Research at the University of Oxford, heads a 60-strong team of volunteers who brief the Shadow Cabinet on the latest virus research.

“Basically, we summarise the content of all published medical papers on COVID and synthesise pertinent policy questions,” Benjamin explained.

Those briefings are received by around 200 MPs and Peers, as well as local councillors, MSPs and COVID researchers.

The post-grad student also sits on the Faculty Board for Oxford’s Science and Engineering departments, helping to draw up the policies which will reduce the impact of the pandemic on students, including organising online social events for isolated/vulnerable students and lobbying for extra funding for students in need.