Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, she has been redeployed into the main x-ray department and providing chest x-rays and CT scans for positive and suspected COVID-19 cases.
‘‘We are working long shifts as many staff are getting sick or having to self isolate,’’ she said.
‘‘Patients have an x-ray when they are first admitted with COVID-19 and tend to have a chest CT scan if they deteriorate.
‘‘I wish I could explain the uncertainty my colleagues and I feel at the start of every shift — uncertainty about the progressing condition of patients we will be x-raying.
‘‘Everyone is head to toe in gowns, masks and gloves.
‘‘It is quite a dire situation with many very sick, scared patients, and staff being pushed to new limits.
‘‘My wish is for the residents of Deniliquin to not underestimate Coronavirus; respect distancing recommendations and regularly wash your hands. Please stay healthy.’’
Coronavirus related deaths in the United Kingdom have soared past 13,000 people, which is almost double Deniliquin’s population.
It has since been revealed the numbers only account for those who have died in hospitals, and not those who have died in other care facilities.
As a result the UK government has announced it will extend its total lockdown by an extra three weeks, which has already been tough for Mrs Wade and her family — husband Ray and twin 15 year-old daughters Holly and Georgia.
‘‘We have been ‘locked down’ for four weeks already, and whilst it is boring we understand it is for a good cause,’’ she said.
‘‘It is probably hardest on Holly and Georgia as their sport is cancelled, girl guides is cancelled and they can’t see their friends. But distance education (and exams and homework) from Australia still continues.’’
It is the jet setting across Europe the family will miss the most.
‘‘We have cancelled all trips and will be staying in the UK for the foreseeable future. We do have itchy feet, but know this isn’t going to be forever.’’
The Wades made the move to the UK more than three years ago, after originally going for a holiday.
‘‘We had lived in Sydney, Wagga and Brisbane before we decided to have a three month holiday in Europe.
‘‘That was 3 1/2 years ago and we are still here!
‘‘We have had some breathtaking adventures in Europe and met many new friends, but are currently ‘bunkered’ down in the Cotswolds.’’
Danielle and Ray met while both attending Deniliquin High School in the 1980s.
‘‘I moved to Deniliquin in 1984, when I was in Year 7 at Deniliquin High School.
‘‘I have fond memories of Deniliquin, mostly involving wonderful friends and warm afternoons at McLean Beach.
‘‘I then moved to Sydney to study radiography at University of Sydney after Year 12, starting in 1990. About 10 years later, I studied for my Masters degree in Diagnostic Radiography.
‘‘A lot of my husband’s family still live in Deniliquin, but we haven’t visited for a few years now. The last time we were there was for my father in law’s 80th birthday.’’