"To thank all the Doctors nurses and staff"

With a very sad and heavy heart ;I write to thank all the Doctors ,Nurses and staff of 2 North Respiratorìy  ward Craigavon Area Hospital  who cared and nursed my Father throughout his battle with Covid until he passed away today R.I.P.

Today my Dad, having bravely fought Covid for 41 days lost that difficult battle this afternoon.  We are heartbroken and devastated by our Dad's loss but we are so grateful and blessed by the amazing, dedicated care given by the nurses and staff in 2 North. We had watched how this has happened to so many people and their families. Little did we think it would happen to our family. Although I am heartbroken ,I am inspired by the wonderful, loving care and  attention my Father received. Daily the nurses supported us and my Father. They encouraged us to communicate in every way possible   within the covid restrictions. Yet despite the many setbacks and bleak picture at times ; never  once did the nurses and Doctors  give up on our Dad.

At the same time, I am battling a rare cancer and was recovering from cancer surgery and had received excellent care and support from the Breast care team,Surgeons Doctors  and Cancer department. My battle is still ongoing with a difficult  road ahead .We were supported as we both worried about the other. They displayed the most  incredible positivity and hope with true professionalism yet always adding their own personal human touch.

They became Dad's family; he called them his "Angel's." He  spoke of them with such affection we knew he was well cared for. Their patience, kindness and respect is just remarkable. Each time we phoned they could not do enough to make every conversation with our Dad special  and memorable. Even in the last few days their care and devotion was wonderful they still remained positive  and were there to comfort Dad on so many occasions; holding his hand praying etc. He received Last Rites  sacrament on Monday and the nurses arranged it in a very beautiful way. They were so filled with emotion I wondered how they could do this every day .

Today, a difficult day a nurse called Mark was so brave and respectful, by holding a phone to our Father's ear so we could speak one last time and it meant so much in fact precious. It couldn't have been easy for Mark and the nurses to participate in a very emotional,  personal moment like that saying goodbye. I know because I was crying uncontrollably when I knew my Dad could hear my every word and was trying to talk and respond. Thank you Mark for that very special," Goodbye "moments with Dad and we all got to say goodbye  in this way.  My Dad praised the nurses and care he received every day and was very grateful for all they did to help and comfort him. My daughter aged 11, has now learned the real meaning of life ,survival and humanity through your care and work with sick patients like our Dad, her Grandad. Truly she  is inspired by your devotion.May I offer, on behalf of all our family ,our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all staff in 2 north because as a team you all are important and all deserve thanks..

With all my heart I will always be thankful for the dedicated care and affection you gave to our Dad.  Our much loved Dad passed peacefully today  thanks to your care ;no stone was left unturned. God  bless you all. We send our thanks and best wishes to you all as you continue your wonderful work/care in 2 North. We will never forget what you did and I'm sure you will not forget our Dad;as he was known affectionately on the ward as the Terrier for his fighting spirit and determination.He is at peace now with his  beloved wife, our late mother R.I.P who passed 3 years previously. 

Thankyou from us all. 

Our family  Son P. Daughters K ,L, So  in law and Grandchildren C, S, and K ,and all the family.

I felt,although sad with a heavy heart ;it was important to thank you ,as my Dad would have wanted  us to Thank you. Such was his wonderful, grateful, humble nature. He was a wonderful, loved,respected and adored Dad  Grandfather .We are so proud of his brave determination He suffered greatly,41 days however with your nursing care you did everything you could to limit his pain discomfort and suffering . Holding Dad's hand is an image that will stay with us. God bless and keep you all safe in 2 North. We will pray for all those who are still fighting Covid . We ask everyone please follow strictly all rules, of Covid, wear a mask  , Protect the NHS so these wonderful nurses ,Doctors and staff  our heroes can help treat patients and save lives. 

 Rest In Peace now  Dad  with mum.                                       

With Thanks from  KmF.