The chief executive of NHS Fife has used a quote from Harry Potter to reach out to the children of frontline workers.
In a touching message, Carol Potter said: “I’m not any relation to Harry but I am the chief executive of the most wonderful organisation, NHS Fife.”
Ms Potter thanked children for “sharing” their loved ones during lockdown as healthcare staff respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.
She gave some tips for coping mentally and physically with lockdown, including a quote from Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter novels by JK Rowling.
“The important thing to remember is that this won’t last forever and we’ll all be able to spend time together with the people that we love again in the future,” she said.
“Until then, please look after yourselves and, in the words of that famous and great wizard called Dumbledore, remember that happiness can be found even in the darkest of times when one only remembers to turn the light on.
“So please continue to shine bright like the little stars that you are.”
Paying tribute to frontline workers, she said NHS Fife staff “performed miracles and a little bit of magic every day”.
She continued: “I can only do my job thanks to the most incredible team of hard working people in our hospitals and all of our healthcare settings across the kingdom of Fife.
“Thank you for sharing all these people that are closest to you and allowing them to come to their work with us at this really difficult time.
“And thank you to all those of you who are now helping the grown ups who are now working at home.
“I know that sometimes it can be really difficult particularly when they’re telling you to be quiet because they’re on a video meeting or they’re on a phonecall or, even worse, they’re taking over your wifi.
“It’s really difficult when you need their attention if you’ve got any school work to do and they can’t help you right away.
“Please be patient because you know they’ll always be there for you.”
Ms Potter added: “It’s hard for all of us but you need to know that you’re not alone and, do you know what, it’s OK sometimes that you feel sad or lonely, angry, or even a little bit scared sometimes.
“Shhh, don’t tell the other grown ups, but sometimes I feel like that too. The important thing is you talk to a grown up about how you’re feeling.”
