Colleagues applaud ‘bubbly and loving’ nurse who died after contracting virus
Colleagues of an NHS nurse who died after contracting Covid-19 have given a round of applause across wards to pay tribute to her.
Janice Graham died on Monday, becoming the first nurse in Scotland to die as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The “bubbly and loving” 58-year-old was employed as a healthcare support worker for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).
Colleagues organised a mass round of applause to be videoed in her honour on Thursday. It was later posted online by a Twitter account linked to trade union Unison. Catherine O’donoghue worked with Ms Graham over a number of years and was one of those who organised the recording.
The staff nurse, from Greenock, said: “Janice was the most bubbly and loving, full-of- life person I have ever met.
“She had the most infectious laugh, she was always telling stories, she was just one of life’s great characters.
“Myself and a few others messaged community colleagues and just asked if everyone could film themselves for a couple of seconds. The response we got was absolutely unexpected - it was absolutely fantastic.”
The video footage has Mariah Carey’s Hero playing over it.
It shows healthcare workers clapping in a range of wards including at Inverclyde Royal Hospital - as well as staff at their homes.
Following her death, Louise Long, chief officer of Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We are saddened to confirm a member of staff has passed away due to Covid-19. Our thoughts are with Janice’s loved ones at this difficult time. Janice brought kindness and compassion to patients and colleagues. Her bright and engaging personality and razor sharp wit will be sorely missed.”