A Lanarkshire woman is thanking staff at University Hospital Wishaw for helping her Dad to virtually meet his new great-grand daughter.

Fiona Bryan’s 83 year old Dad Alex lives in Braidwood Carluke with his wife Jean.

Fiona, who works as a moving and handling advisor for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Dad had pneumonia in January and had been unwell following this with recurrent chest issues. He had been poorly since the pneumonia and was not picking up.

“Due to social distancing rules during Covid-19, we had only been able to see Dad from the door or through the window.

“On Saturday 18 April, we got a call from his carers to say he was not good. We went to visit him and he looked terrible. He had a fever and was pale and was confused. I got a real fright.

“Dad was admitted to University Hospital Wishaw, with what we thought was a chest infection. However, he tested positive for Covid-19 the next day.

“He says he knew he was unwell and might not make it but wasn’t ready to go. He wanted home and to see his new great grandchild, who was due soon.”

Alex’s granddaughter Hannah had a baby girl called Cora on 23 April, while he was in hospital.

Fiona said: “I called the ward and asked if they could tell dad. Since my Dad doesn’t have a smartphone, I printed a picture of Cora and asked the staff to pass it onto him.

“However, the nurse I spoke to offered to set up a video call for us on the ward iPad. Dad was able to have a video chat with myself and his two granddaughters. Most importantly, he was able to meet baby Cora for the first time.

“Dad was so happy to see his family and to meet the brand new addition.

“It was brilliant to finally be able to see his face and see how he was recovering.”

Alex continued to improve and was discharged home on 5 May.

Fiona added: “Dad is doing really well. He is looking forward to a time when he can hold his new great grandchild.

“I can’t thank the staff in ward eight enough. They were fantastic and so good with us all.”