Nurse reveals 'heartbreaking' decision to protect newborn daughter

'Our families are the real unsung heroes in this battle'

A registered nurse has pleaded with the Manx public to stay at home, so those on the frontline can be reunited with their families. 

A healthcare professional is among many of the Island's key workers who have made the decision to live apart from their loved ones, in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking to Manx Radio, the nurse who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke of the 'high risks' he faces working across a number of departments at the hospital.

In order to protect his newborn daughter and his wife, they were moved in with her parents who are currently self-isolating for the 'foreseeable future, an unknown future'.

"I have only been able to see my daughter via FaceTime a few times a day and to say goodnight at bedtime or through the living room window at her grandparent's house when dropping off essential supplies.

"The heartbreaking harsh reality that I have recently had to come to terms with is that I am potentially not going to see my wife or daughter face-to-face, in the flesh, for what could be several months, meaning that I could be spending a longer period of time without my daughter than I have with her, in her short life."

This sacrifice is something he says he is finding 'increasingly difficult to process'.

'Please stay at home'

He suggested the effect of coronavirus shows how those dedicated to careers in essential work have had to make compromises they never would have ordinarily had to make. 

However, the nurse explains how it is the 'phenomenal support' of his family that has given him 'enormous strength'.

They are the 'real unsung heroes in this battle' he says. 

"They deserve the biggest amount of praise possible for what they sacrifice in order to support us in our careers. 

"So please, everyone who is not a key worker, please stay at home so I can be reunited with my wife and daughter and my colleagues can be reunited with their families as soon as possible."

Manx Radio is running a coronavirus diary project for key workers. 

If you are working on the frontline, contact mystory@manxradio.com to find out how you can share your experiences with Covid-19.