Unfairly maligned health workers did everything in their power to help tragic Rachel McAlpine

RACHEL McAlpine’s story (News, November 27) is a tragic one, but some of her complaints are unreasonable and part of the storyline in the paper is inaccurate.

For example, the reason that an outside agency — in this case, Trackars Healthcare — was used is simply that the Northern Trust does not have its own nursing staff that can be used to provide the at-home care that Rachel’s condition required.

Perhaps it should, but it can’t provide what it hasn’t got. In any case, there is a recognised shortage of suitably qualified nurses at the moment.

As for the Christmas celebration, it was organised by her social worker, and many Northern Trust staff gave up their personal time to decorate the house, attend the celebration and clean up afterwards, going well above and beyond what could reasonably be expected of them.

All of those who provided items (Santa, reindeer, food etc) for the party did so for nothing. It’s a shame that this is not acknowledged.

I am writing this letter to restore some balance. Many (if not all) of the people who helped to look after Rachel are caring professionals who regularly go above and beyond what they are required to do — particularly in cases like this.

They are not allowed to comment, hence my letter.

NAME AND ADDRESS WITH EDITOR