Chile hospitals ensure patients do not die alone despite pandemic
Doctor Moyra Lopez comforts a terminal patient at the so-called 'humanised farewell' room, where patients receive messages from their relatives through technological devices, at the Barros Luco Hospital, in Santiago, on July 22, 2020. PHOTO | MARTIN BERNETTI | AFP
Here, special units have been set up where family members and loved ones are able to say their goodbyes even inside public hospitals where the virus is rife.
More than half were visited by family members and others died after a video call with those close to them.
Lopez carries around a tablet with which she can pass on audio or video messages like "thank you daddy for everything, rest now," or "dear grandad, listen to this song you love so much."
All over the world, people are dying alone as relatives are barred from visiting them in hospital for fear of catching and spreading the coronavirus. But not in Chile.
Here, special units have been set up where family members and loved ones are able to say their goodbyes even inside public hospitals where the virus is rife.
