Family

The emergency department surgeon who doubles as a baby whisperer

Awwww.

We all love a person who can calm a crying baby. But when that person also happens to be a hospital emergency department doctor who snuggles a baby to his chest as he carries out his duties, our hearts melt.

This adorable Waikato Hospital Facebook post, below, shows Waikato District Health Board ED consultant Dr Muir Wallace providing a sleeping baby boy with a safe chest to rest on as he runs the entire department. The post, put up by clinical nurse specialist Mike Haden-Jones, is captioned “Sometimes all you need is a hug” and it has, naturally, gone viral.

“This is a bit different to my usual posts but felt I had to share,” Haden-Jones explains. “The older of the two featured in this picture is Muir – one of our ED consultants. The little guy was here with his mum and badly needed a snooze. Sadly his mum was unwell and needed some tests.”

Haden-Jones said several others had tried to settle the baby but Dr Wallace was the only one who was able to. He held the sleeping baby for about an hour as he went about his work.

“Just an example of the small kindnesses that happen every day that often go unnoticed,” Haden-Jones concluded.

His sentiments were soon emulated by the public.

“This simple act of kindness means the world & so much more to any parent that needs a little helping hand,” said one.

“That’s so cool how you guys go above and beyond for your… patients and families… keep up the fantastic work guys,” said another.

One commenter said she’d also had a great hospital experience with Dr Wallace.

“This Dr is amazing. He looked after my son last night… Such a funny Dr and kept me at ease with step by step of what was happening. Thank you Dr for all the kind work you and your team do.”

Another said “you can tell he’s an awesome man from that one act! Thank you Muir for caring for 2 people that day above and beyond what you would have to do.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Related stories