‘I will always carry their kindness with me’ – Family’s touching tribute to Northern Trust district nurse
Northern Trust District Nurse Emma Griffin
Friday 23 October 2026
A district nurse from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has received a heartfelt tribute from a patient’s family for the compassion, dignity and reassurance she provided while caring for their loved one at the end of their life.
Emma Griffin, a member of the Trust’s Newtownabbey district nursing team, was praised for going above and beyond to build a trusting relationship with her patient, helping them feel safe, happy and genuinely cared for during a difficult time.
The family shared their appreciation through Care Opinion, an independent platform which allows patients and their loved ones to provide feedback about their experiences of healthcare services.
A privilege never taken for granted
Reflecting on the family’s tribute, Emma spoke about the importance of providing comfort and dignity to patients approaching the end of their lives.
She said:
“Caring for someone at the end of their life is a privilege that I never take for granted. Receiving such kind words from the family means more to me than I can express. Knowing that I was able to bring comfort, dignity, and support during such a difficult time reminds me why I became a nurse. I will always carry their kindness with me, and I feel truly honoured to have been part of their loved one’s journey.”
A heartfelt boost for the nursing team
The feedback also brought encouragement to Emma’s colleagues, highlighting the difference community nurses can make to patients and families, often away from the public eye.
District Nursing Sister Colette Farmer said the family's decision to share their gratitude, particularly while grieving, had deeply touched the team.
She said:
“Receiving such beautiful, heartfelt feedback from a grieving family member has given our community nursing team a wonderful uplift.
“In district nursing we often work quietly in the background, so having a family take the time to share their gratitude during such a tender time means the absolute world to us. It is a powerful reminder of why we do this job, instantly boosting team morale and reinforcing our shared commitment to delivering compassionate and dignified person-centred care when our patients and their loved ones need it most.
“Emma is a wonderful asset to our team and to her patients and their families, and she truly makes a difference to their lives."
More than 4,200 patient experiences shared
The tribute comes as the Northern Trust highlights the role of patient and family feedback in recognising excellent care and identifying where services can improve.
Since introducing Care Opinion in 2019, the Trust has received more than 4,200 stories from patients, families and carers across its hospital and community services.
Of those experiences, 82% were positive, while 18% raised concerns or identified opportunities for improvement.
The feedback provides an opportunity for the Trust to hear directly from people using its services, recognise the contribution of healthcare staff and identify areas where changes may be needed.
How to share your healthcare experience
Patients, families and carers who wish to share their experiences of Northern Trust services, whether to recognise exceptional care or raise concerns, can do so through Care Opinion.
Feedback can be submitted online at www.careopinion.org.uk.
For Emma and her colleagues, the family's tribute is a reminder that compassionate nursing care can leave a lasting impression, not only on patients during their final days, but also on the loved ones they leave behind.
