Woman celebrates 90th birthday after beating coronavirus

A 90-year-old woman has celebrated her birthday after beating coronavirus.

Agnes Gallacher was re-admitted to the Larkfield Unit at Inverclyde Royal Hospital because of another health issue after fighting off Covid-19.

With the pensioner facing the prospect of spending the day without family, hospital staff stepped in to make sure it was a special occasion.

Through the use of an iPad, Agnes was able to speak to her loved ones and even meet her great-grandson Robert for the first time.

Agnes said: “I had a great day and sang my favourite song that I used to sing to my lassies.”

Her daughter, Agnes Campbell, added: “I want to thank the nurses for making it a really special day for my mum. We spoke on Skype and she was able to see her new great grandson Robert for the first time.

“I am so pleased she had a great day – the nurses told me she was singing away all day. They really did so well.”

Lynda Williamson, a Ward 3 AHP consultant at the hospital, said the whole team had been determined to make the day “as special as possible” for Agnes, who has a close bond with her family.

“She is a great character and we wanted to help her enjoy the day as much as possible,” Lynda added.

“Thanks to new iPads, the staff have been helping patients stay in touch with family via Skype. So we set up a special chat where Agnes was able to speak to her family including her daughter.

“Agnes and her daughter were also able to sing to each other – with Agnes Jnr standing well away and outside the ward. It was such a special moment.

“Agnes had a ball on her birthday and was singing away all day, while wearing a big hat and an ‘I am 90’ badge.”