HOUSTON — One of the busiest ICUs in Houston is at Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center.
One of its busiest nurses is Demond McDonald.
“It’s been really crazy to see all these people come in with COVID," McDonald said.
McDonald said his unit has 22 beds, and as soon as one bed becomes available, it’s quickly back in use with another COVID-19 patient. No visitors are allowed.
“When I call to update the family, it’s really difficult to tell them how sick their family members are."
He said some patients are able to do Zoom calls and regular phone calls. McDonald said he'll never forget a patient from two months ago whose wife called every day. He held the phone up to the patient’s ear.
"Actually having me to just have the phone to where she could sing to him, that was big for me."
That patient recovered, but McDonald has seen many COVID-19 patients not recover. He’s witnessed a lot of death in the past few months. He said it's a reality check for those who aren't taking the coronavirus seriously.
"I wish they would just see what I see and understand the severity of wearing masks out in public because it’s real."
He sometimes works up to 60 hours a week and welcomes the nurses now coming into Houston from other parts of the country.
"I'm appreciative that we have people that can come help us like we had people that were able to go help them."
RELATED: Why 'positivity rate' paints a more accurate picture of COVID-19 spread in Houston, Harris County
Great news if you watch TV with an antenna
KHOU has just upgraded its technology. If you were unable to receive KHOU with your antenna in the past, try again on channel 11.11. You may have to rescan your channels for it to work – if that’s the case, we’ve got some instructions at KHOU.com/antenna. If you already see KHOU on 11.1, you may now ALSO see it on 11.11 – it’s the exact same programming. We’re really excited to be able to bring our KHOU 11 News, CBS shows and sports, Wheel of Fortune, Ellen and Great Day Houston to more homes around the area. If you’re still having trouble, please contact us here and we’ll try to get you set up.