Public thanks from the family of Mr Alaa El-Banna
On Thursday the 30th July my husband Mr Alaa El-Banna, who was the General Surgeon at the Western Isles Hospital, suddenly passed away.
The next day when he was starting his transfer to Glasgow, the hospital staff lined the driveway and arranged for a piper to play while they all said their final goodbyes. On the Saturday a one-minute silence took place at 1pm, led by the Hospital Chaplain. This included the hospital staff and some of the community and was joined by ourselves and other family members and friends.
Highland hospitality is recognised worldwide but I can't express how overwhelmed I, along with his daughter and son have been with the kindness shown. It has meant so much to us to see how much Alaa meant to so many people including friends, colleagues and patients. He would have been happy to know how appreciated he was but at the same time embarrassed by all the attention.
It seems so inadequate, but we would like to thank everyone for the help given and kind words and wishes that have been on Facebook and in all the cards and letters that have been sent.
Hopefully by the springtime a memorial bench will be set in place within the Hospital gardens for us to visit with fond memories.
And special thanks go to Helen Gallacher (Hospital Chaplain), Susan Macaulay (Accident & Emergency Manager), Dr Mhairi Murdoch, and friends Donald and Catherine Maciver.
With much love to all,
