A grieving daughter who lost her father to Covid-19 and experienced hospital care herself has paid a beautiful tribute to the care they both received at Watford General Hospital.
Sally Goffin-Adams' father Norman Percy Adams died of Covid-19 at Heronsgate Ward in Watford General Hospital on February 8.
The 94-year-old had battled with the virus for four weeks.
Described as a “proud Geordie”, Mr Adams had been bombed out of three homes during the Second World War, survived a train crash in Potters Bar in 1946, and lived with various health conditions.
After his wife died in 2003, the St Albans man received much support from friends at Cross Street café in the city, where he was well-known.
His daughter Sally said she could never express enough gratitude to Dr Ram Patel and the NHS staff at Watford General Hospital for their dedicated care during her father's struggle with Covid-19.
She said: “Dr Patel took the time to really get to know Dad. He would listen to Dad’s stories, ask about his life – and, most importantly, listen.
“Ram ensured that Dad was an active part of every decision made about this health and care.”
During a visit on January 24, the daughter saw Dr Patel kneeling next to her dad and stroking his arms as he gently explained Mr Adams was nearing the end of his life.
“Dad, ever a fighter, was shocked to learn that this was truly the end,” she said, “but thanks to Dr Patel, he smiled and twinkled, cracking a joke as always.”
She continued: “It was truly beautiful to watch this young doctor take so much time to respect and reassure our frail dad in his final days.”
Days after the visit, the daughter was hospitalised herself after contracting the virus, and was shocked to see some patients being abusive and disrespectful to NHS staff.
She said: “Despite having to face such bullying and abusive behaviour, I never once saw a doctor, nurse, or any other staff member raise their voice, be impatient, or be dismissive – they were all wonderful.”
During this period, Ms Goffin-Adams was told her father had passed away, but that he was never alone.
Praising the NHS for their work, she said: “And yet, we have NHS staff suffering appalling abuse on social media – being accused of lies, conspiracies and utterly irrational nonsense. For those very few who are lucky enough to still not have personally touched by Covid-19 – that’s all it is, pure luck.
“We are very lucky in this country to have Dr Ram Patel, Zoe, Delia the nurse and so many more incredible, committed, loyal people. They deserve our gratitude and respect, not cynicism, bullying and attacks.”
Mr Adams was a man who loved dogs, and expressed his dream would be that all of his past dogs and his wife Olive would greet him in the afterlife.
He is survived by his adult children Neil, Keith, Kirstie, and Sally.
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