My 84-year-old father was admitted to Walter Tull following an afternoon and night in Resus. As a nurse myself everyone assumed “she will understand”, which in some ways is very true. However, my father was scared, he had trouble breathing and his fear of Covid in the hospital made it worse. However, on our journey came a shining star!

Caroline, your care and compassion for my father and myself were as important as the medicines prescribed by the doctors, and you left no stone unturned. I cannot begin to say how your advice and support made us feel. You answered questions and found answers my dad could understand. My father was treated with respect and dignity. In a time when Covid remains, you recognized that dad was having trouble with his phone and provided very important contact to family, on a very busy ward you went that extra 100 miles! You spent time ensuring he understood in full, quite a triumph when I think of the times family have done this for him and failed. Your calming nature enabled him to relax and start to heal.

My father spoke of your skills and knowledge, patience, and understanding, as I could not visit and really support him, knowing he was cared for at his worst was a comfort and relief. The job of a nurse is incredibly tough during this pandemic, however, you ensured all the attention to detail that meant so much for a scared 84-year-old man; you ensured he was supported. Thank you for supporting my dad, your kindness and exceptional skills made a very difficult time a lot better. Thank you, Caroline, because of you we live in a happier healthier world.