'Treasured and respected' Clitheroe nurse who dedicated life to others died from coronavirus

Staff nurse Bridget Palmer, who worked on the Ribblesdale Ward at Clitheroe Community Hospital, died from Covid-19 on December 29th.

Mother-of-two Bridget began her nursing career 40 years ago in Zimbabwe, South Africa. After some time traveling and caring for patients, Bridget joined the NHS, and settled at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust in 2012. Her first positions were on wards on the Royal Blackburn Hospital site, before moving to Ribblesdale Ward at Clitheroe Community Hospital as a staff nurse.

Paying tribute, Chief Executive of ELHT, Mr Kevin McGee said Bridget's death is "terrible and poignant" reminder of the dangers medical staff are facing every day.

He added: "We have tragically lost a valued member of the ELHT family to coronavirus. Bridget Palmer had dedicated her life and career to helping and caring for her patients.

“During Bridget’s eight years at ELHT, she became a most treasured and respected member of the ELHT family; her loss will be deeply felt by all her colleagues and friends at ELHT.

“Bridget spent her life helping and caring for others in their time of need. She was caring and compassionate towards all her patients and their families, always putting them first; no task was too great for her.

"She will be missed considerably by many, and we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to her husband Geoff, their daughter Vanessa, son Carl and family.

“This is a terrible and poignant reminder of the situation we are facing every day to help others and I want to thank every member of staff for their continued care for our patients and community.

"Their continued courage and commitment to duty is inspirational and a comfort to us all in these difficult times.”