Artificial hands, genuine caring
Gloves filled with warm water give a loving touch for unconscious patients
PETALING JAYA: A pair of latex gloves filled with warm water is tied to the hands of an unconscious Covid-19 patient, giving the impression that it is the touch of a loved one.
The “warm embrace” of the plastic gloves is meant to imitate a family member’s hands clutching the patient’s hand, said the Public Health Malaysia page on Facebook.
The page, which has a following of almost 900,000 users, had posted a picture of a patient’s hand being clasped by a pair of white plastic gloves filled with warm water, an idea it said came from a nurse.
“This act of kindness is for Covid19 patients who are perhaps unconscious in the intensive care unit (ICU), so they feel that their hands are being held by family members, in hopes that the patients will continue to fight for recovery.
“We pray that all active patients fighting in the ICU, wards and at home make a fast recovery,” said the post on Saturday.
The touching photo has so far garnered over 45,000 likes, 700 comments and been shared more than 6,600 times.
“I always do this to my patients to let them feel that their family is always there with them,” commented Facebook user Dieba Glam, who also received over 60 replies thanking her.
“This is what we do for patients who are intubated. Family members are not allowed to look after the patients at the ward.
“This is the only way we can provide moral support for patients to continue fighting.
“It is as if there is a strong grip of hope there,” commented Facebook user Jacqualine Lawang, whose post received over 80 likes.
“Feeling sad looking at this photo. It brings back memories. We used to do this to all bedridden patients no matter young or old,” Facebook user Cik Puan Nur Amirah wrote.