Emilia heaps praise on nurses who cared for her dying father
GAME Of Thrones star Emilia Clarke has spoken about the devastating experience of losing her dad as she praised the nurses who helped care for him.
At an awards ceremony in London, the Royal College of Nursing ambassador said: “Even in my lifetime, nursing has drastically changed.
“Nurses are beginning to smash the old stereotypes and, for the first time, performing operations and running doctors’ surgeries.
“Our NHS, and other health services around the world, simply could not function without you. But even with the support you give, you aren’t getting it in return.
“Today’s nurses appear an easy target for cuts, not the priority for investment.”
The actress added: “This reality breaks my heart, as on July 10 two years ago, I lost my darling dad. Our experience was shaped by the care he received. I was given the opportunity to be involved in the intricacies that made up a day of trying to save his life and it showed me, with such clarity, not only the awe-inspiring skill nurses clearly had, but the emotional intelligence that came with it.
“After a panic at hearing bells and buzzers I didn’t understand, the hug that came my way and the words that accompanied it both reassured and comforted me.
“I know my dad received the best care and medical support from our nurses that dealt with every second of those dark days.
“Nursing is about more than just medicine, it’s about engaging with another person on a human level. Like hugging a daughter who knows she is about to lose her dad.
“As ambassador I want to help fund and engage a new generation of specialist nurses who, in turn, will deliver innovative practice, improve survival rates and reduce hospital stays – and help those with long-term conditions to live their lives to the full.”