Daughter thanks staff in memory of her father

A grateful daughter is helping to make a difference to patients at Grimsby hospital in memory of her father.

Natasha Diamond wanted to thank staff for the care they provided for her father John Plaskitt who passed away in July this year.

She has handed over a wheelchair, a Bluetooth sound system, and some of her father’s CDs to the diagnostic and investigation unit (DIU). She also presented £450 to the Amethyst ward.

Natasha said: “Before dad died he told me to ask for donations in lieu of flowers at his funeral so he could treat the girls on the wards where he was cared for. So that is what I did. It is fantastic to be able to honour his wishes and give something back to other patients.”

John, who had cancer of the bone marrow and a blood disorder that caused a drop in his healthy red blood cells, attended Grimsby hospital every week for blood transfusions and platelet treatment between October 2016 and June 2017 on the DIU lounge.

Natasha said: “Dad used the ward as his social club. He didn’t get out much due to his illness. The nurses were exceptional when it came to making his day. Dad said that he wanted to treat them after he was gone”

Helen Moody, ward sister on DIU, said: “It feels like Christmas. Often when patients come for treatment it’s a long day for them and we try and make the experience a bit more pleasant. These items are going to make a huge difference to the ward and we will now be able to offer cold drinks with ice as well as hot drinks.”

Anne-Marie Dunks, staff nurse on the Amethyst ward, said: “John was a lovely man and would continuously make us laugh with his jokes.”

If you would like to say thank you to a specific ward at Grimsby hospital, you can get in touch with the official hospital charity, the Health Tree Foundation on 03033 304514.