COVID-19 couple in different hospitals shed tears as staff deliver their Valentine's cards

An elderly couple who contracted COVID-19 and are being cared for in two different hospitals, have cried tears of joy after NHS staff delivered Valentine’s Day cards for them.

87-year-old Isabel Devine and her husband Ian Devine aged 88, were overwhelmed when NHS staff kept their Valentine’s Day tradition alive after 64 years of marriage by helping them write messages to each other in time for Valentine's Day (14 February).

‘I just want to be with my husband’

Isabel Devine is being cared for at Glasgow’s New Victoria Hospital and Ian Devine is receiving treatment five miles away at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH).

The couple were diagnosed with COVID-19 at the start of December and spent nearly one month there before Ian was allowed home and Isabel was transferred to Glasgow's New Victoria Hospital.

However, only a few weeks later, Ian developed a chest infection and fell at home, which led to him being readmitted to QEUH.

Isabel Devine told The Scottish Sun: “I just want to be with my husband so we can get home together as soon as possible."

The couple from Glasgow, first met and fell in love at Glasgow’s Plaza Ballroom. They married on 2 April, 1956 and have three kids, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Isabel Devine 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.”

‘They miss each other intensely’

The couple’s daughter Lesley Davies is thankful to NHS staff for their care. Lesley Davies said: “It’s tragic they can’t be together as they would motivate each other. When COVID attacks at an elderly age, it’s horrendous. They miss each other intensely”.

The daughter of a different couple, Hilary Shea recently highlighted the dedication of hospital staff by posting on the QEUH Facebook page: ‘Both my parents were on ward 5C at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow where the staff have been absolutely fantastic, respectful and caring.

‘Sadly dad lost his fight against Covid and mum is still being cared for. Thank you ward 5C staff you are all amazing!’

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.”