Stories from the frontline: MSD Denmark employees volunteer in the fight against COVID-19 (Guest blog)
30.04.20
Covid-19 has obliged many citizens from various walks of life to work additional hours or work differently in order to combat this new and invisible enemy. At MSD Denmark, many health professionals have chosen to volunteer to help cushion the impact of the virus.
In times of crisis, we adapt to new and different circumstances. Some keep their heads down and try to get on with life as best they can, while others insist on helping wherever they are needed. Not because they are heroes, but because helping is what drives them, as suggested by the experiences of Anette Fog, 53, and Monica Bendz, 31.
Monica is a trained pharmacist turned marketeer and has been with MSD for three years. Anette is a trained pharmacy assistant who has been working with HIV and Hepatitis C at MSD, also for three years. Both are volunteering their time and skills in the face of the pandemic.
Anette is a trained pharmacy assistant who has been working with HIV and Hepatitis C at MSD, also for three years. Both are volunteering their time and skills in the face of the pandemic. When Anette got the chance to volunteer, she did not think twice: “It makes me happy to contribute. And frankly, I didn’t care if they needed manual labour or brain power as long as I am making a difference,” she said.
In times of crisis, we adapt to new and different circumstances. Some keep their heads down and try to get on with life as best they can, while others insist on helping wherever they are needed. Not because they are heroes, but because helping is what drives them, as suggested by the experiences of Anette Fog, 53, and Monica Bendz, 31.
Monica is a trained pharmacist turned marketeer and has been with MSD for three years. Anette is a trained pharmacy assistant who has been working with HIV and Hepatitis C at MSD, also for three years. Both are volunteering their time and skills in the face of the pandemic.
Anette is a trained pharmacy assistant who has been working with HIV and Hepatitis C at MSD, also for three years. Both are volunteering their time and skills in the face of the pandemic. When Anette got the chance to volunteer, she did not think twice: “It makes me happy to contribute. And frankly, I didn’t care if they needed manual labour or brain power as long as I am making a difference,” she said.
Closed retirement home to protect the most vulnerable
Anette received a call from a nurse working at a temporary care facility for homeless people in Western Sealand. Covid-19 presents a considerable challenge to homeless people as they are more susceptible to complications following disease, placing them in the high-risk group.
Anette received a call from a nurse working at a temporary care facility for homeless people in Western Sealand. Covid-19 presents a considerable challenge to homeless people as they are more susceptible to complications following disease, placing them in the high-risk group.
“The challenge in this case was to keep potential Covid-19 patients out of the care home until their condition could be determined. Otherwise, there is a risk of the care home becoming a small coronavirus epicenter. And these people are at risk as it is,” said Anette, also pointing out that MSD Denmark has discovered a high prevalence of Hepatitis C in the exact same region.
Alongside other volunteers and employees Anette was tasked with the furnishing and establishment of a new reception center.
Alongside other volunteers and employees Anette was tasked with the furnishing and establishment of a new reception center.
