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Daughter of nurse who died with COVID-19 pays tribute to her dedication

Emma Vianzon was an ‘inspiration who was always caring for others’

Family’s gratitude as appeal for funds to cover funeral costs and repatriation to the Philippines exceeds its target

Emma Vianzon

The daughter of a nurse who died after contracting coronavirus has praised her mother’s dedication to the profession.

Emma Vianzon, who died on 20 October, had been recovering from kidney transplant surgery in July when she became unwell. She was 57.

Her death brings to 91 the number of nurses and healthcare assistants believed to have died with COVID-19.

A dedicated nurse

Ms Vianzon, originally from the Philippines, had practised as an adult nurse in Northern Ireland since 2002.

She worked at Belfast City Hospital, Musgrave Park Hospital, also in Belfast, and most recently the Brooklands Healthcare nursing home in Antrim.

Denilee Vianzon told Nursing Standard her mother had been a ‘dedicated nurse, truly inspirational, always caring for other people’.

Compassionate care from Nightingale hospital staff

Emma was taken to Northern Ireland’s Nightingale hospital, set up in Belfast City Hospital, after developing COVID-19.

Her daughter praised staff and said she drew comfort from knowing two of her mother’s friends had been redeployed there.

Emma Vianzon with her daughters Denilee, Centinia and Julie

As the family could not visit, ‘we felt her best friends were an extension of us,’ Denilee said.

‘Her hair was brushed; her hands were touched and her friends would whisper in her ear to give her motivation to keep going.’

Success of appeal to cover funeral costs

Emma Vianzon’s dying wish was that she be buried in her nurse’s uniform, next to her parents in the Philippines.

Her daughters set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for repatriation and funeral costs and their appeal has already far exceeded its target figure.

‘We are going to be eternally grateful for the donations,’ said Denilee.

‘It was evident Emma truly cared’

A spokesperson from Brooklands Healthcare said Ms Vianzon was a valued member of the team.

‘It was evident from every interaction she had with our residents she truly did care.

‘We wish to offer our sincere sympathy to Emma's daughters and extended family. May she rest in peace.’