Heartbeat: Reunited in time for their anniversary

October 13, 2020

A couple from Great Barr got to celebrate their anniversary back in each other’s company after the wife returned home following months of treatment for COVID-19.

A tearful Hanifabibi Shaikh left City Hospital to applause, as colleagues formed a socially distanced guard of honour to mark the end to a long period of treatment. Treatment which began when Hanifabibi fell seriously ill to the Coronavirus back in March, requiring a spell on the hospital’s intensive care unit before beginning a slow recovery on City’s D47 rehabilitation unit.

Now, although her journey is not yet over, Hanifabibi is recovered enough to go home to finish her recuperation in the company of her loving husband Abdul.

The Shaikh family had been in regular contact with staff during Hanifabibi’s treatment and developed a special relationship with those helping her. They even presented ward staff with a special book, full of messages of thanks from relatives far and wide.

Staff in return presented Hanifabibi with two cards – one a best wishes card, but another for the couple’s wedding anniversary which they were delighted to be able to spend together. At the same time, others caught up with family news, expressing sadness they would miss their regular updates.

“It’s a very special day for me today,” Hanifabibi Shaikh told Heartbeat. “I’m going home after coming here in March but as happy as I am going home I’m going to miss all the friends I’ve made on D47. Although they are my health carers, my nurses, they all treated me as a friend. They have given me a second chance at life. I cannot find sufficient words to express what I feel about them all – I thank the Lord for giving me a second chance, but so many people have played a part in it.”

Memory Seka, Senior Sister on D47 rehabilitation unit added: “We’re both sad and happy to see Hanifabibi leave after so long needing treatment. It’s heartwarming to see her reunited with Abdul and we all wish her the very best in her continued recovery. I’m very proud of all the staff on D47 for all they have done to support Hanifabibi and her family while she has been under our care. They have maintained and upheld the care promises set out by our Trust.”