Hello, Mairead here. Since we're all very democratic at Armagh I, it's my turn to bring you this week's newsletter.When it comes to staff, I'm a relative newcomer, having joined last May, but I must say they're a friendly bunch, plus there's always a cup of tea on the go.Part of last week was spent reading through nominations for our annual People of the Year awards. Hearing about people doing wonderful things, often in the face of adversity, is one of the perks of the job and, at the risk of sounding clichéd, yes, it is an honour and humbling to hear about their lives.We've all heard a lot about NHS 'angels' in the past two years and while I have written about them, I have thankfully managed to avoid any personal contact with hospitals. That was until last week when a relative was admitted to Craigavon Area Hospital after an accident (now hopefully on the mend).Because of Covid-19, the only visitors allowed at present are for end-of-life patients and birthing partners, so as a family we've had to rely on phone calls to ward staff.Nothing has been too much trouble, the nurses have been lovely and a virtual FaceTime call was set up efficiently within minutes.The NHS may have its problems, but at times like this, it makes you realise how lucky we are to have it.Like Armagh I's People of the Year nominees, the medical staff really are amazing - and it's only when you need them that the importance of what they do really hits home.
Watch this space..
Watch this space..
Watch this space..
Hello, Mairead here. Since we're all very democratic at Armagh I, it's my turn to bring you this week's newsletter.When it comes to staff, I'm a relative newcomer, having joined last May, but I must say they're a friendly bunch, plus there's always a cup of tea on the go.Part of last week was spent reading through nominations for our annual People of the Year awards. Hearing about people doing wonderful things, often in the face of adversity, is one of the perks of the job and, at the risk of sounding clichéd, yes, it is an honour and humbling to hear about their lives.We've all heard a lot about NHS 'angels' in the past two years and while I have written about them, I have thankfully managed to avoid any personal contact with hospitals. That was until last week when a relative was admitted to Craigavon Area Hospital after an accident (now hopefully on the mend).Because of Covid-19, the only visitors allowed at present are for end-of-life patients and birthing partners, so as a family we've had to rely on phone calls to ward staff.Nothing has been too much trouble, the nurses have been lovely and a virtual FaceTime call was set up efficiently within minutes.The NHS may have its problems, but at times like this, it makes you realise how lucky we are to have it.Like Armagh I's People of the Year nominees, the medical staff really are amazing - and it's only when you need them that the importance of what they do really hits home.