A HEALTHCARE hero who led a team of district nurses at the height of the coronavirus pandemic has spoken about life on the frontline.

Fiona Smith, district charge nurse in adult community nursing, started as a manager at Port Glasgow Health Centre in January.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Fiona knew she had to find new ways of working for herself and her team as many of their patients were in the shielding category.

Fiona and her team were determined to continue to provide high quality care for patients at a very difficult time.

The charge nurse said: "District nursing is a pivotal frontline service and it provides high quality care for vulnerable patients with long-term conditions and complex health needs within their own homes.

"It really matters to us that our patients are immensely grateful for their district nursing service.

"Our ongoing support was essential to ensure their health and wellbeing throughout the pandemic."

Just weeks after the coronavirus crisis struck, Fiona and her team sadly had to cope with the death of their dear friend and colleague Janice Graham, who tragically passed away in April after contracting Covid-19.

Fiona said it was one of the hardest things the nurses had to endure - and knows that it made the team even more aware of the impact of the deadly virus.

She said: "The loss of Janice really brought it home to all of us just how vulnerable we were.

"Janice was the most down-to-earth, funny, caring person, whose compassion and unfailing commitment was shown on a daily basis.

"All of our nursing and home care colleagues and our patients really struggled with Janice’s passing.

"I found it really difficult dealing with my own emotions while supporting my team through a very difficult time."

Mum Fiona admits that she is still concerned about bringing the virus home to her family and says not being able to hug her sons has been extremely difficult.

But she says the support from the team at the health centre has helped every step of the way.

She added: "We’ve supported each other throughout and I’m immensely proud of my colleagues within Inverclyde district nursing.

"We’ve always had each other’s backs and we always will.

"I am extremely proud to be a district nurse and I continue to be inspired by everyone around me."