Others on the ward are too unwell to be interviewed but Alan is determined to speak out.
He added: "It makes you realise that this virus doesn't take any prisoners. No matter how strong you are or what age you are. It will just go for you.
"If it can find a way in it will go for you.
"And people have to start taking it seriously."
The 30 bedded unit is usually full and, despite the physical and emotional pressures on staff, the ward feels calm and under control.
SATA is a sea of blue scrubs and blue masks but here and there are bright pops of colour from knitted mask extenders that members of the public donated during last year's wave of support for the NHS.