Doctor runs A&E department while holding sleeping baby as mother undergoes tests

'Consultant in charge was most definitely multi-tasking'

Consultant Muir Wallace was the only person able to get the baby to calm down, says statement (Waikato Hospital)

A doctor has been praised for running a hospital's emergency department while comforting a patient’s sleeping baby.

The infant’s mother was unwell and undergoing tests at the Waikato Hospital, in the city of Hamilton, New Zealand.

Consultant Muir Wallace was the only person able to get him to calm down, the hospital said in a post on its Facebook page.

“The little guy was here with his mum and badly needed a snooze. Sadly his mum was unwell and needed some tests," it said.

“I believe several people tried but Muir was the only one able to settle him. So for about an hour the other day our consultant in charge (of the entire ED) was most definitely multi-tasking. Just an example of the small kindnesses that happen everyday that often go unnoticed.”

Dr Wallace’s wife, Jenny Wallace, commented to say she was “very proud”, adding it was “lovely for people to see a different side to the hospital for a change”.

Another woman also commented on the post, praising Dr Wallace for his work treating her son.

Calling him "amazing", Cherie Smillie wrote: “He looked after my son last night ... as he had a burnt face and needed anisthetic [sic] to make sure his eye was ok.”

She said the doctor kept her informed of her son’s condition and put her at ease by being funny.

“Thank you Dr [sic] for all the kind work you and your team do. You really all are so over worked and underappreciated.”

Thousand of people have reacted to the post, with many praising hospital staff for their work.