A husband and wife married for 64 years have kept their Valentine’s Day traditions alive despite both being patients in different hospitals.
Isabel Devine, 87, and Ian Devine,88, are both being treated for COVID-19 at separate hospitals - Isabel in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and Ian at the New Victoria ACH.
The couple, who first met at the famous but now demolished Plaza Ballroom at Eglington Toll, have always managed to have a meal together and exchanged cards on Valentine’s Day. This year, however, the pandemic scuppered their plans, with both, unfortunately, being hospitalised due to the virus.
Not to let covid get in the way, thoughtful NHS staff at the hospitals ensured the couple was able to exchange cards and while both have been in touch throughout their stay via virtual visiting, Sunday’s arranged virtual date was more special than usual.
Commenting on their near 65 years of marriage, Isabel said: “Ian is a good husband and an amazing dad. Being married all these years, we do have our tiffs but who doesn’t and we always make up before going to sleep.”
The gesture forms part of the patient-centered approach to care which underpins the treatment of all patients across NHSGGC.
Commenting Lead Nurse within Elderly Services at the QEUH for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Collette Kilpatrick said: “Delivering care which is tailored to each person’s needs is absolutely key to ensuring our patients receive the best treatment possible during their stay.
"For Isabel and Ian, we thought it would be really nice to help keep traditions alive, despite them having to receive treatment at different hospitals.
“It’s just a small thing, but we know how important these gestures can be for patients to help them feel as comfortable as possible and the staff involved on both sides were delighted to have been able to play a role for Isabel and Ian.
