Unique is one of the words that his twin, Siobhan, used to describe Patrick White, a male midwife who died much too young, at the age of 45.
UNIQUE is one of the words that his twin, Siobhan, used to describe Patrick White, a male midwife who died much too young, at the age of 45.
Siobhan said that Patrick, who passed away on Monday, October 22 last, knew from the very start that he was destined for a career in nursing.
‘Coming from a big family and having a twin – me – he was inexorably drawn to children, so it’s hardly surprising that he found his true calling helping to bring others into the world.’
Immediately after his Leaving Certificate, Patrick, who was from Gortnaclohy, set out for Cambridge, where he studied for a general nursing degree.
But it was his decision to study midwifery in UCC that allowed him to put in 11 remarkable and life-affirming years as a clinical midwife manager at the purpose-built CUMH.
Coming from a family of 12 shaped Patrick, according to Siobhan. He was also ‘very witty, loved a good social life, loved travelling, and was always out and about.’
‘Patrick,’ she added, ‘found joy in bringing new life into the world because he enjoyed his place in it. He lived life to the full and everyone who knew him loved him for it.’
Siobhan’s comments were echoed by Prof John Higgins, the Clinical Director at CUMH. ‘Loved by all,’ is the first thing that Prof Higgins said in his tribute to Patrick.
‘Great fun, a great colleague, and a superb professional’ were just some more of his attributes, according to the clinical director, who expressed his and his colleagues’ sense of loss saying: ‘He will be sorely missed.’
