Corona Virus
VIDEO: Nurse Lynne’s BEM delight
A Cramlington nurse’s dedication to the residents of a care home during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic has been rewarded by the presentation of a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Lynne Grieves has worked at Northlea Court Care home in Brockwell for 22 years and when the lockdown started she faced the dilemma of not being able to continue working because she lives with her 81-year-old mother.
After a week of not being at work she was desperate to return as she knew her services were required so she came up with a ‘Plan B’.
Her niece Chelsea moved in with her mum and after discussions with the care home manager Sandra Smith, Lynne moved into Northlea Court and was there 24/7 for the next 12 weeks.
Sandra adds “It was so good having Lynne in the home – she became part of the fixtures and fittings. Knowing she was there boosted the morale of both staff and residents. We all think it is great that she has been honoured with a BEM and we are so proud of her.”
When Lynne received an email from the Cabinet Office informing her of the award, she had to check with her children that they hadn’t sent it as a joke but they assured her the email was genuine.
The Queen’s Birthday Honours are normally announced in June but this year they were deferred to give an opportunity to recognse some of those involved in the response to coronavirus.
Lynne says she was extremely honoured to receive the award and it came as a real surprise.
She reports that the best achievement is the fact that the home has remained free of COVID-19 and that that is due to the teamwork of all the staff and residents.
Cramlington Town Mayor Loraine De Simone said “This is so well deserved. I’m sure it’s people like Lynne that keep the country going. I know Cramlington has many good people who live and work here and it is lovely to see one of them getting their just reward. Thank you Lynne.
