Poignant tributes have been paid to an ‘adored’ Lanarkshire nurse – described as having the touch of an angel.
Michele Bell was a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in palliative care. Tragically, Michele passed away unexpectantly in February. She was 54.
Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, Karen Maclure, service manager, East Kilbride Locality, said: “The overriding feeling is that Michele was one of the kindest, most compassionate people most of us have ever met.
“I’ve heard many of her patients over the years describe her as an angel. That really summed up her kindness and her gentle nature.”
Michele started with the palliative care team as a Macmillan Development Nurse in 2015 and was then given her CNS post in 2018.
Karen added: “Palliative care, by its nature, brings us face to face with situations that are often extremely sad and sometimes distressing and worrying for the patients and those close to them.
“Michele was an experienced professional but also had natural ability to bring reassurance, comfort and calm.
“If one of her patients was anxious about getting to an appointment, for example, Michele would work around her diary so she could be there to help them into the car.
“On one occasion, when one young patient died, Michele linked in with their family to sell hand made goods to staff to raise money for St Andrew’s Hospice.”
Karen added: “She was a brilliant colleague too. She had a smile for everyone, was interested in everyone’s life and would always help people out.
“She was adored by staff and patients alike.”
Michele leaves her beloved lifelong partner Matthew, her mum and dad, brother Andrew, Josie, Ava, Reagan and Matthew’s family.
Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire said: “Michele personified the exemplary care and compassion our incredible palliative care staff and partners provide across Lanarkshire.
“The fact Michele was held in such high regard by colleagues and patients alike speaks volumes of her character. She will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Our deepest and sincerest sympathies are with Michele’s family.”
