After all this time...A FLAC story

Chapter 4

After talking to all the staff, Jac returned back to her office, ensuring her door was closed behind her. She pulled out her mobile phone, knowing next thing she needed to do was to call Jonny. After a brief conversation they both agreed it was best for Emma to stay with Jonny in Scotland for the time being. Jac knew being separated from Emma again for a long period of time was not going to be easy but she knew it meant that she was safer and hopefully would be less disrupted. Next on Jac's list was to inform Kian about the measures in place at the hospital. She knew there was every chance he would ask how this would impact them as a couple, but now was not the time to discuss that Jac resolved. Kian was understanding and informed Jac he would be back on shift from tomorrow and was happy to cancel his planned leave. Jac told him to read Max's email to ensure he was up to date on all the measures taken so far. Jac messaged Sacha. She knew he would use this crisis to throw himself back in to work but she knew he still needed more time. Knowing she wouldn't be able to stop him she resolved to check in on him at every opportunity to ensure he was coping.

Part of the CEOs email had requested that where possible staff members limit contact with people outside the hospital and to minimize across ward staff mixing as much as possible. Jac knew this meant she and Sacha couldn't stay with each other anymore, as neither of them would want to risk putting the other at risk. Unusually Jac thought about how this measure would impact other members of her team – Nicky and Chloe would be ok she thought. If anything it might mean they get some space from the smug Dr Dunn she mused. Her mind then went to Fletch and Ange. As quickly as the thought entered her mind, Jac steeled herself and moved on to a different task – heading out on to her ward and to her patients.

*Fletchs POV*

Many rounds of phone calls to the majority of his nurses, Fletch sat back on his chair. He glanced at his watch and saw he had missed his lunch. Taking out his phone to message the kids, he noticed a couple of missed calls and messages from Ange. Fletch knew that Max's measures would force them to become more separate for the time being. However, after the events of the last few weeks he was almost happy to have some space to himself to deal with his own grief and guilt. His mind darted back to his kids; he knew he needed to make a plan for them. He had received a follow up email from Max, informing him that as a vulnerable member of staff he had every right to take time off during the pandemic to protect his own health. Almost instantly Fletch knew it would not be in his nature to do this. He thought of his friends Essie and Raf, he knew that they would do the exact same thing in his position. Scrolling through his phone book he called him Mum, he knew asking her to take the kids to hers full time would be a big ask as she lived in a much smaller house than his. Fletchs mum wasn't happy about her sons decision to carry on working, but she respected his decision non the less. She was more than happy to move into her sons house and help with the kids full time. Hanging up the phone he felt relieved that he knew he could keep his kids as safe as possible. He knew it was time to message Ange back. He quickly typed a message he would be continuing with work and that the kids were sorted with his mum. He knew Ange would be worried about Chloe but he assured her he could keep and eye on her on Darwin. Putting his phone away he decided to head back out in to the chaos that was Darwin. Knowing that's where he could make the most difference.

Back out on Darwin, allthe doctors and nurses rallied around, sorting suppliesand rations of PPE, calling relatives and patients informing them of cancelledelective procedures and changes to visiting routines. Jac stood back and lookedat her team in action. She may rule with an ironfist, but in a time of crisis she could see how well oiled her team were andhow proud she was of how well they were pulling together in this time of so muchunknown.