Irish health workers come up with novel, yet touching, way of staying familiar with patients

FRONTLINE STAFF at a Dublin hospital have thought of a fantastic way of staying familiar with their patients, despite the fact that they're layered in face-covering protective equipment.

The respiratory medicine team at Beaumont Hospital have come up with an idea which is as funny as it is touching.

They've printed off A4 pieces of paper with their faces on it, and stuck them to their uniforms, just to add a little personality to their otherwise mask, goggles and hairnet covered faces.

The thoughtful staff also drew their names on their clothes too, what a lovely touch.

Masks and visors can, understandably be quite off-putting and impersonal to patients, Dr Dermot Wildes explained to RTE News why he and his colleagues decided to change that, despite the fact that health guidelines require them to keep the personal protective equipment (PPE) on at all times.

"We decided to wear these photographs as a source of comfort for our patients," Dr Wildes said.

"Recovering from this condition is a very scary reality for them."

Dr Ciara Ottewill added: "Seeing our patients pre- and post-intensive care allows recovering patients to feel that they have continuity of care, recognising our faces."

Three cheers for these brilliant folk!