An elderly Alexandria couple have been reunited after spending months apart and now call the Vale of Leven Hospital - where they've been able to share a room together - home.
Margaret Sommerville, 83, is a long-term patient in the hospital and her been unable to see her husband William, 92 due to the ban on visits during lockdown. However, they are now together again after William's health declined and was also admitted to the hospital.
Senior Staff Nurse Karen McColl said: “William would call every evening to ask what kind of day Margaret had had as was so attentive. Sadly he wasn’t able to visit, so the daily updates were so important to him.
“Suddenly the calls stopped and staff became concerned for his welfare and it turned out he had declined a bit too and needed to be admitted himself.”
Staff were then faced with the unusual situation of having a husband and wife on the ward together so set about ensuring they could be together as comfortably as possible.
William, a retired engine driver said: “The staff on the ward have all been wonderful, firstly caring for Margaret and now me too. I am so happy to back by Margaret’s side and want to thank the staff who have gone out of their way to make that happened.”
Karen added: “Margaret and William have had a lifetime together, and are so happy to be re-united, albeit in hospital. It’s all that matters to them. We have managed to get places for them together in Erskine Hospital, but in the meantime we have given them a room together in a quiet part of the ward.
“Like many older people, William was struggling a bit at home but didn’t want any fuss. Now he’s under our care he realises he does need some help and we are delighted to be there to give it, and be part of this lovely couple’s story.”
