When Melbourne yiayia (grandmother) Freda Razos became too unwell to attend her granddaughter Anna's wedding, her family brought the wedding to Epworth Richmond instead.
In a first for the Intensive Care Unit, Epworth Richmond staff hosted the bridal party and family on Saturday 24 May as they visited Mrs Razos between the ceremony at a Greek Orthodox church in Forest Hill and reception at the RACV Club in the CBD.
The family arranged for the wedding florist to deliver a corsage to Mrs Razos for the special day, provided bonbonnieres, and ensured she could stream the ceremony live from her hospital bed.
Epworth nurses shared in the excitement on the big day. Kahlia and Loren created a wedding archway using IV poles and fairy lights, Kalpana gave Mrs Razos a blow wave, and Kim organised a special wedding meal to be served.
Mrs Razos was admitted to ICU after COVID-19 progressed to pneumonia and then pneumonitis. Her prognosis was poor on the Tuesday before the wedding, but she has made incredible progress and has now been transferred to the ward to complete her recovery.
Mrs Razos said even before she became unwell, she had an unexplained feeling that she was not going to attend the wedding. She was thrilled to share the day with her family.
"I am very close with Anna and it was lovely to be a part of her most special day. She looked beautiful," Mrs Razos said.
"Epworth staff did so much to decorate the room and make it special for our family."
Mother of the bride, Toni Tsalikis, said Mrs Razos and Anna share a special bond.
"Mum was cheering Anna on and waving at the screen while she was watching the ceremony, she felt a part of our special day," Toni shared.
"It has been a traumatic week in the lead-up to the wedding, but the Epworth nurses went above and beyond for mum."
"Our family is indebted to the staff at Epworth Richmond ICU; they have been remarkable. The level of care was second to none."
As a thank you to the Epworth Richmond ICU team, Mrs Razos - who loves baking - asked her daughter Toni to deliver a selection of homemade Greek sweets.
"They made an important day for our family feel truly special. We are incredibly grateful."
