Nurses treat casualties in war zone

Two Black Country nurses have been working in Afghanistan. They told the Express & Star their story.

They've spent years treating patients at a Black Country hospital - but nothing could prepare two nurses for a three-month stint in Afghanistan.

Mary Donovan and Mary Francis, who both work in the intensive care unit at Walsall Manor Hospital, have recently returned from treating casualties in the war-torn country.

Dodging suicide bombers and hiding from rocket attacks was regular occurrence for the pair, who said their experience was unforgettable.

Mrs Francis, 53, was in Kandahar from March to June this year while Mrs Donovan, 50, was at Camp Bastion from July to October.

Mrs Francis, an intensive care nurse for 28 years, said: "I chose to go as a volunteer and I believe it is one of the main achievements of my life. My son is a soldier and his fiancee is based in Camp Bastion at the moment, although I didn't get to see her.

"On my first day in the job there were mass casualties and nothing prepares you for that - you feel overwhelmed."

Medical staff are split into three teams, one doing the day shift, one on nights while the third group sleeps.

Mrs Francis, who is married to husband Craig, added: "I was with a mixture of people - Danish, Americans, British, Australians and New Zealanders and there was great camaraderie."

Both married, and mothers-of-one, being in a war zone was tough on their families.

"It is difficult to tell your family what is happening while you are out there as you don't want to worry them," said Mrs Donovan.

"One time there was a suicide bomber at the camp gates and when I spoke to my husband David I just told him we had had a busy day. However, a lot was done to keep us safe."

Even though both nurses had training, they say nothing prepared them for what they saw.

"I used to stand at the bedside of the soldiers holding their hands," said Mrs Francis.

"As a mother you wonder what their parents are going through."

Walsall Manor agreed to hold their jobs open for them.

And despite all the sad news coming out the conflict, the nurses believe the soldiers are getting the best treatment possible.

Even through the terrifying situations, the nurses learned how laughter was often the best medicine. "You are laughing all the time, because it is better to do that than cry, and there is always the feeling that you are all in it together," said Mrs Donovan.

"On my last day we had a rocket attack and as I lay on the floor with the other staff we were all laughing about how I could be killed on my last day."

Mary Francis adds: "If there was a rocket attack during dinner time you would take your food under the table with you. It is funny because you would see the odd hand creeping up onto the table to get another piece of cake."