"You work. You put in a lot of physical work, we physically lift, we help, you have your emotions, you're already acquainted. And then he's not there.Then we sit down, talk to someone, how to forget it. We drink tea. Alone. And then we move on," the physiotherapist said.
The support that colleagues used to give is also sorely missed. To reduce the risk of infection, Covid-19 wards are not allowed to have lunch together or sit for coffee breaks.
"There is too much stress. Communication is lost. Because we don't talk everything out, because we can't be together," Inga said.
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This is the reason why "A break for our own" was launched, and the feedback from the tired medics who have been able to enjoy the three-day break is truly heart-warming.
"Very nice, hospitable hosts! Well-kept and tidy cottage. A really good place to get away from the daily rush and noise of Riga! Delicious breakfast from the hosts. We will definitely come back! Thank you!" Said the medics about the hosts of Medinieki Kalvene, where it was possible to take a breather.
We also received a wonderful review for our "Rest for your own" at the guest house "Dutch" (The Netherlands Holiday House) from the nurses of the neurology ward at the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital: 'Thank you very much for the opportunity to get away from the busy daily schedule for a few days and breathe a sigh of relief. Very hospitable hosts, charming atmosphere and cosy cottage! Near the sea and the pine forest, a wonderful place for walks! Thank you “
As well as a heart-warming thank you for the three-day "Respite for our own" from Dr. Ilga Albina, Head of the Palliative Care Unit at PCUSS, to Guest House Mednieki:
"Good morning! Moodily and "tanked up", we enjoy our return home. A sincere THANK YOU for these wonderful days in Mednieki. After the long and dark winter it is so hard to move on from the daily round of worries, especially with 2 elderly sick people who have not been out of the house for a year(!). Special thanks to the owners who didn't mind 2 four-legged friends who are also not to be left behind."
And we can't forget about Birini Castle, from which we received the first feedback from a medical worker about the picturesque holiday: 'Thank you very much for the opportunity to relax at Birini Castle. The place is very beautiful and the food was delicious and pleasing to the eye. The children appreciated the opportunity to ride horses in the castle garden and to see and pet the other animals. The steam bath, sauna and swimming pool were the most impressive. The holiday was a real success! Thank you!"
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated and supported not only the campaign, but also the medics. Medicine is the backbone of Latvian public health. Without it, we will get nowhere. The medical profession helps to sustain it, so let's give them a chance to forget their everyday worries for a moment and take care of themselves too.
