Longtime nurse at Research Medical Center dies from coronavirus, union says
Nurses union officials say a longtime Research Medical Center nurse who died this week was killed by the coronavirus after caring for an infected patient.
Celia Yap-Banago, who had been a nurse at Research for about 40 years and was scheduled to retire next week, died Tuesday night, according to the National Nurses United Union.
Ashley McClellan, CEO of Research Medical Center, said hospital staff were heartbroken by the death.
“It is difficult to put into words what Celia means to our hospital and to the countless number of patients she cared for,” McClellan said in a written statement.
“Celia was beloved by everyone who knew her. Her impact on the nursing profession and to those she worked with will be everlasting due to the mentorship, training, support and guidance she provided our colleagues.”
Yap-Banago became ill about a month ago after caring for an infected patient at the hospital, according to the union, which earlier this month voiced concerns over a lack of preparation and protection in the pandemic. She died at home Tuesday night.
Next Tuesday would have marked Yap-Banago’s 40-year work anniversary, said one of her co-workers, Charlene Carter. She was preparing to retire.
Carter described Yap-Banago as an experienced nurse who was very dedicated to the job, someone who “always found a way to make us laugh every day.”
“Celia was an amazing nurse that dedicated her service for countless years at Research and a dear friend to all of us,” Carter said in a statement through the union. “I feel that I can speak for many nurses when I say that the loss of one of our dear fallen soldiers on the front line of this pandemic is more than devastating, it is a wake-up call.”
A candlelight vigil in memory of Yap-Banago is being organized by nurses from around the region. It is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday outside Research Medical Center, 2316 E. Meyer Blvd. The vigil will be recorded through Zoom.
This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 8:54 AM.
