Guard of honour for NHS Lanarkshire worker who died after contracting Covid-19

41-year-old Kirsty Jones was applauded by colleagues at the hospital she worked at for over 20 years

Author: Paul KellyPublished 4th May 2020
Last updated 4th May 2020

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

Mother-of-two Kirsty Jones passed away on April 20 aged 41.

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

The guard of honour was organised at the request of the family as only a few people could attend the funeral given 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.”

Ms Jones 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.

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

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

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