Charge nurse dies with COVID-19: family’s tribute to ‘caring and committed’ colleagues
Posted 15 December 2020 - 12:42
Senior charge nurse Barclay Mason was cared for at the hospital where he had worked for more than two decades
The family and friends of a senior charge nurse who died after developing COVID-19 say his colleagues will have a special place in their hearts.
Nurse Barclay Mason worked at the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in Harlow, Essex, for more than 20 years.
He died after being treated there for COVID-19.
Compassion and care for patients
In a statement, Mr Mason’s family and friends in his native New Zealand paid tribute to his colleagues in the UK.
The statement reads: ‘He leaves behind committed colleagues and friends who are shocked but who continue to go to work every day with compassion and care for their patients, just as Barclay did.
‘Barclay Mason will be remembered for his commitment to patient care and his kindness’
Lance McCarthy, chief executive, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
‘Colleagues and friends from the emergency department and East of England Ambulance Service will hold a special place in our hearts as they were Barclay’s UK family.’
The statement included a Maori blessing in Mr Barclay’s honour that includes the lines: ‘Fly free, o spirit/ Fly to the realms of the heavens/ Uplifted by the sun.’
Remembering nursing staff who have died with COVID-19
Nurse’s loss is felt by hospital and ambulance service colleagues
Trust chief executive Lance McCarthy said Mr Mason’s loss would be felt by his many colleagues across the trust and East of England ambulance service.
‘Barclay Mason will be remembered for his commitment to patient care, his kindness and as a valued friend and colleague to many at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
‘Our thoughts are with Barclay’s family, friends and colleagues.’
The news of Mr Mason’s death comes less than a week after the death of Bristol emergency nurse, Rob Healey, who died after testing positive for COVID-19.
Mr Mason's death is the 93rd of a nurse and healthcare assistant believed by Nursing Standard to have died in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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