Dr. Muir Wallace was just doing his job when he stepped up to help a patient. A mother had come into the emergency room and was having tests run to check her health.
Meanwhile, her baby was in need of some sleep, but she was unable to soothe him from her hospital bed.
So Dr. Wallace cuddled the baby until he fell asleep, and then continued to hold him — all while performing his duties of managing the ER staff at the Waikato Hospital in New Zealand for the night.
Later, with the mom’s permission, clinical nurse specialist Mike Haden-Jones posted a photo of the moment to Facebook.
The sweet picture shows off Wallace’s new co-worker sleeping peacefully on his shoulder and demonstrates that a little kindness can go a long way:
“I believe several people tried but Muir was the only one able to settle him,” according to the caption.
The April 25 post has been liked over 4,600 times online, and the post’s popularity likely has a lot to do with how absolutely adorable it is!
People from all over the world are commenting on the photo, saying that it made them smile or that it made their day.
“That’s so cool how you guys go above and beyond for your patients and families,” one woman wrote. “Keep up the fantastic work guys.”
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“This simple act of kindness means the world & so much more to any parent that needs a little helping hand,” another person wrote.
While this may not have been a big deal for Dr. Wallace — helping people is what he does for a living, after all — it surely meant a lot to this little boy’s mom.
The photo was captioned, “Sometimes all you need is a hug,” and that couldn’t be more accurate!
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Haden-Jones’ Facebook post summed up the doctor’s assistance accurately, saying it was “just an example of the small kindnesses that happen everyday that often go unnoticed.”
Medical providers — nurses, EMTs and other staff included — do amazing things on a daily basis and rarely get recognized for their work. We’re glad people get to recognize Dr. Wallace for this small moment.
All things considered, it was a good night at the ER — all thanks to Dr. Wallace and the staff at the Waikato Hospital!
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