NHS worker who died of coronavirus gets guard of honour from colleagues as hearse passes hospital where she worked

The funeral cortege for an NHS healthcare worker who died after contracting Covid-19 was met with a round of applause as it passed the hospital she worked at for over two decades.

Mum-of-two Kirsty Jones, a healthcare support worker for NHS Lanarkshire, died on April 20 aged 41.

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She had spent 24 years at the health board and more than two decades at University Hospital Wishaw.

The guard of honour today was organised at the request of the family as only a few people could attend the funeral because of the current restrictions on public gatherings.

Anne Leitch, chief of nursing services at University Hospital Wishaw, said: “This was a very fitting tribute to a much-loved colleague and friend.

“It gave staff the chance to pay their last respects and showed the family how highly regarded Kirsty was.”

Kirsty joined NHS Lanarkshire as a clinical support worker straight from school at the age of 17.

Staff from the hospital and other emergency services lined the main road in the hospital grounds to clap their hands as the procession passed by.

Anne added: “From everyone at the hospital, and across NHS Lanarkshire, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Kirsty’s family.”

Kirsty Jones leaves behind her husband Nigel and two sons Sam, 14, and Finlay, four.

It comes after Kirsty’s husband Nigel paid a heart-breaking tribute to his wife, praising her devotion to others.

Nigel said: “A void has opened in our hearts that will never be filled.”

“We will miss you every day, Kirsty, but be sure that we will carry all the wonderful memories we made together forever in our hearts.

“We will never forget you, you really were so special to us all and we will love you forever.”