'For many this may be the last time they get to see or to speak to each other' - NI doctor opens up about experience treating COVID-19 patients

Dr. Richard Best is a consultant eye surgeon with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and several weeks ago he was seconded to the Mater Hospital, Belfast to assist with the care of patients with COVID-19.

Dr. Best recounted his experience in a video shared by the Belast Health and Social Care Trust on social media on Wednesday.

"Whenever patients are admitted with COVID infections they are highly infectious.

"Therefore their relatives, family are not allowed to visit - this is extremely stressful for them," said Dr. Best.

"We have used a combination of phonec-calls and video-calls to provide a contact with patients on the ward and their relatives.

"For many this may be the last time they get to see or to speak to each other," he added.

Dr. Best went on to thank the people of Northern Ireland for adhering to social distancing measures.

"My general duties involve, ward work, looking after patients on a day to day basis but also to help with communication.

"This has been some of the most difficult and challenging work I have ever had to do in my medical career but it's also some of the most rewarding.

"My message to the people of Northern Ireland is to say thanks - by staying at home you have supported the NHS and given us the time and space to do this work."

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