DEDICATED nursing staff at IRH who have been by the side of Covid patients over the last two years are determined to bring some Christmas magic to their ward this year.

The team from ward G South - which has operated as the coronavirus hub throughout the pandemic - will be on shift through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The big-hearted squad recently won the 'health care team' title at the Tele's Health and Care Awards 2021 for their commitment to giving their all to patients throughout the pandemic.

Band two auxiliary nurse Louise Barclay says Christmas is a very special time of the year for staff and patients.

The hard-working nurse lost her gran on Christmas Day, so makes sure she is there for her mum during the day before she starts the nightshift.

Louise, 41, said: "It’s a really rewarding time of year to be working.

"Some people don't have family, so it's nice to be here for them.

"It's maybe not a typical Christmas but I enjoy working it.

"I'll take some time off in the new year and I will spend some time with my family then."

Senior auxiliary nurse Frances Gault has been working at Inverclyde Royal for 14 years - and has been on shift at Christmas for most of them.

Frances, 51, says she always puts herself forward to work on the big day to let staff who have families take time off.

Her dad sadly passed away on New Year's Eve 15 years ago, so she likes to take time for herself at the start of the year.

Frances said: "There's a real community spirit here at Inverclyde Royal and we look out for each other.

"Wee things like buying the patients presents and seeing the smiles on their faces, especially if they don't have anyone else in their lives, really makes it worthwhile.

"I really enjoy knowing that we are here for people."

Charge nurse Kimberly Campbell says she works Christmas as she wants people with younger families to be able to spend their day at home.

Kimberly, 35, said: "There's a good atmosphere on the ward as the team want to make it special for patients.

"People worked Christmas in the past for me, so I'm paying it back now.

"A big part of it is being there for patients who might not have anyone at Christmas.

"We have a great team in G South and we really do everything we can to make it a good day for patients."

Staff nurses Nicola Thomson and Ewan Quigg and healthcare support worker Aileen Morgan will also be part of the team working hard for patients across December 24 and 25.

Teresa Holland, senior charge nurse for the ward, says the hard working G South squad have gone 'over and above' for patients.

She added: "I would like to thank all the team for their huge effort this year and for all their help and support.

"I'm so grateful to each and every one of them."