A nurse who ‘gave her life’ to the NHS and fell ill with coronavirus just three days before she was to retire is one of four more health workers to have been killed by the disease.
Janice Glassey 66, was engaged to be married and was known for the passion she showed to her job, looking after people receiving end-of-life care for 14 years.
The mother-of-three, from Widnes, Cheshire, died on Friday and has sparked hundreds of tributes.
Janice Glassey, pictured, was just three days away from retiring when she tragically fell ill with coronavirus
Her heartbroken daughter Kerri told the Liverpool Echo: ‘Mum was loved by everyone.
‘She was so funny and had so much to look forward to. Mum was very dedicated to her job, she would regularly cover people’s shifts.
‘We are devastated as we were looking forward to sharing so many occasions together.’
The 44-year-old, who travelled up from her home in London to Widnes be with her mother, after signs of the virus became apparent, added: ‘We are heartbroken, mum was completely healthy.
‘She was a bag of fun and used to love going shopping and for cocktails in Liverpool with her daughters and granddaughters.
‘She just wanted to live life and was so loving and giving.’
On social media, one user wrote: ‘This woman has spent her life saving and caring for the ill, then this happens.
‘Just before she should be retiring and spending her life relaxing and going on holidays. It is heartbreaking.’
Another added: ‘She’s given all her life and saved people and this is what happens.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with her family.’
Janice was initially treated at Whiston Hospital, on Merseyside, where she spent a week on a ventilator, before being transferred to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, where she’d battled the virus for about fortnight.
The Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to report the death of our colleague Janice Glassey who was a much loved and valued member of the Halton Out of Hours District Nursing team.
An NHS flag was at half mast yesterday outside Whiston Hospital, pictured, where Janice was initially treated, in honour of key workers who have lost their lives to Covid-19
‘Janice was a Heath Care Assistant and gave 14 years of dedicated service to the people of Halton and tragically passed away on 24 April.
‘Janice had tested positive for Covid-19.
‘Our thoughts and condolences at this most difficult time are with Janice’s family, friends and those who have worked with her for many years.’
Her death comes as news emerges of three more health workers falling victim to the killer bug.
Maintenance worker Graham Thorne, 58, lost his battle with the virus on April 20 after spending two weeks in intensive care.
His partner Debbie Cox, a medical secretary at Bedford Hospital where he also worked, described him as a ‘quiet, kind, considerate and loving man.’
David Carter, the Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘It is with extreme regret that I confirm the sad news that we have lost another of our colleagues.
‘Graham worked at Bedford Hospital for four years as a Maintenance Craftsman and was a well-respected member of our Estates Team.
‘Graham fell ill at the end of March and self-isolated. A few days later his condition worsened and he was admitted to Bedford Hospital, where he tested positive for Covid-19.
Graham Thorne, pictured, was remembered by his partner as a ‘quiet, kind, considerate and loving man’
‘Graham was a quiet and friendly member of the team who was incredibly diligent at his work and who will be greatly missed.
‘We are saddened to lose another much loved member of the Bedfordshire Hospitals family and our thoughts and condolences are with Graham’s family and colleagues at this incredibly sad time.
‘We ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this time.’
Tributes have also been paid to community staff nurse Fiona Anderson who died on Sunday after contracting Covid-19.
The 48-year-old worked at Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre, in Sunderland.
Her sister Sarah Anderson said: ‘We are incredibly proud of Fiona.
‘She died doing what she loved, working for the NHS and caring for those in need.
‘Always in our hearts and never forgotten.’
Sarah Anderson told ITV News her sister was admitted to hospital on the same day as their father, adding: ‘Dad improved; Fiona didn’t.’
She said Fiona loved her three Chihuahuas, was ‘scarily intelligent’ and a big fan of Brussels sprouts and mushy peas.
‘I think people would describe her as a little bag of crazy,’ she said.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) announced Ms Anderson’s death on Tuesday ‘with immense sadness and a very heavy heart’.
Speaking on behalf of her community nursing colleagues, manager Kath Henderson said: ‘We are all absolutely devastated that we have lost our valued friend and colleague Fiona.
Fiona Anderson, pictured, loved her three Chihuahuas, was ‘scarily intelligent’ and a big fan of Brussels sprouts and mushy peas, her sister said in a tribute
‘There are no words that can describe the loss we are all feeling but we take comfort in knowing just how much Fiona loved her job and how incredibly proud she was to be part of the community team and the important work we do caring for patients.
‘She brought pride and passion to her work every single day and made such an incredible difference in the lives of so many people in South Tyneside and Sunderland. We will miss you dearly Fiona and will think of you always.’
In a statement, the STSFT said: ‘Fiona devoted her life to helping others.’
It said that Ms Anderson joined the trust in 2007, working as a staff nurse at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital before joining the community team as a staff nurse in 2019.
It said: ‘Fiona was a passionate and highly committed nurse who cared for thousands of patients in both Sunderland and South Tyneside, many of whom will be deeply saddened with the news of her passing.
‘Today is a very sad day for the NHS in South Tyneside and Sunderland and an incredibly difficult time for Fiona’s family, friends and of course her STSFT family and wider NHS colleagues.’
Anujkumar Kuttikkottu Pavithran, known as Kumar, pictured died at Boston Pilgrim Hospital, Lincolnshire, where he worked, on Monday
A fourth health worker to die from the virus in recent days was staff nurse Anujkumar Kuttikkottu Pavithran, who passed away at Boston Pilgrim Hospital, Lincolnshire, where he worked, on Monday.
A fundraising page has been set up for the family of Mr Pavithran, known as Kumar, as tributes have flooded in.
Andrew Morgan, chief executive of the United Lincolnshire’s Hospitals NHS Trust said: ‘He was a very well liked, professional, respected member of the team and will be greatly missed.
We are all sending our heartfelt condolences to Kumar’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.’