'Much-loved and valued' nurse dies after falling ill just days before retirement
A "much-loved and dedicated" nurse fell ill three days before herretirement and sadly died a month later with coronavirus.
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to 66-year-old Janice Glassey, whowas described by her devastated family as "so loving" and "a bag offun."
The mum-of-three had given 14 years of service to the NHS, helpingvery sick patients with end-of-life care.
Healthcare assistant Ms Glassey, who was engaged to be married, was apopular figure in Halton and worked visiting people's homes and carefacilities.
From Widnes, the healthy mum, suddenly became poorly - her family said - the day after Mother's Day, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the country's lockdown. She was due to retire just a few days later.
The nurse, described by her bosses as "valued," went into WhistonHospital at the start of the month where she spent about a week on aventilator in intensive care.
The frontline worker, who tested positive with coronavirus, wastransferred to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, in Broadgreen. On April 24, she died.
Her daughter Kerri had travelled up from her home in London to Widnes to be with her mum after signs of the virus became apparent. She said: "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 manyoccasions together."
Ms Glassey could have retired 12 months earlier, but she continued towork as she was keen to try and pay her mortgage off.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are deeply saddened to report the death ofour colleague Janice Glassey who was a much loved and valued member ofthe Halton Out of Hours District Nursing team.
"Janice was a healthcare assistant and gave 14 years of dedicatedservice to the people of Halton and tragically passed away on 24April. Our thoughts and condolences at this most difficult time are withJanice's family, friends and those who have worked with her for manyyears."
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