Tributes pour in for ‘inspirational’ Fife nurse

Health colleagues at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital have paid tribute to a Fife nurse, described as “an inspiration” by many who worked with her.

Staff and friends came to honour the funeral cortege of Esther Pow as it passed by Victoria Hospital yesterday morning before making its way to Kirkcaldy Crematorium just a short distance away.

Esther passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Sunday August 9 following a short illness. She was 54.

Highly respected, both by the patients she cared for and the many health workers across Fife she worked alongside, Esther was best known for her position as clinical nurse manager (CNM) at The Vic, a role that one friend said she was “born to do”.

Following the news of Esther’s death, scores of tributes have been posted online by friends and colleagues past and present.

One of the many was Lynn Campbell, who said: “What a privilege to have known and worked with Esther, she was a true professional and fantastic nurse. She will be truly missed by her NHS Fife ‘family’.”

Lia Robinson said: “I always loved working with Esther at The Vic. You will be missed by many. Rest in peace.”

Meanwhile Norma Beveridge described Esther as “the best” CNM and “the most professional and compassionate nurse I have had the privilege to work with”.

Karen Gillies, a long-time colleague, said: “I came full circle with Esther from student nurse, then colleagues, then my CNM. Esther was compassionate, professional and was famed for her razor sharp wit. She never changed.”

Esther is survived by her partner Damien, son Niamh, and has been described as a “dearly loved daughter, sister, and friend to many”.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions, the family will attend a private memorial service on August 24.

Esther Pow.