Funeral cortege for Covid-19 victim 'Ma Murphy' to stop at ERI where she worked

The cremation will take place today.

Jane Murphy was affectionately known as 'Ma Murphy'.

The funeral for an Edinburgh NHS worker who died after contracting Covid-19 will take place today.

Jane Murphy, 73, died on Thursday April 16.

The clinical support worker at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary was affectionately known as ‘Ma Murphy’.

Her cremation will take place at 10am at Mortonhall Crematorium.

She will leave from Lime Grove in Mayfield and travel to the A&E department at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, in order to give staff a chance to pay their last respects, before continuing to Mortonhall.

For the past six years her son Stephen Murphy also worked as a clinical support worker in A&E, sometimes crossing paths with his mother on the job.

He and his brother Brian, who were both brought up in Mayfield and still live there paid tribute to their mother.

They said: “You were taken too soon and too quick. You were not alone, we were by your bedside until your last breath. We miss you and will never forget you. Rest In Peace mum lots of love.”

It is thought a garden bench may be erected to honour Ms Murphy’s memory, but plans have not yet been confirmed.

Janice Alexander, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh Site Director, NHS Lothian said: “Jane was an exceptionally well-respected and well-loved colleague at the Royal Infirmary, who will be greatly missed by many.

“From everyone at the site, and across NHS Lothian, I would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts and wishes to Jane’s family at this difficult time.”

NHS worker Neil Murray said: “I worked with Jane for five years, she was kind, caring and had a great sense of fun.

“She will be greatly missed.”

Saxophonist Saxingh shared a video of him playing a song in memory of the NHS hero.

He said: “Dedicating this one to Jane Murphy (73) who sadly passed away this morning due to COVID-19 - she was a clinical support worker at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.

“She was an ace worker and a much loved member of staff.

“She continued to work and refused to retire from the NHS and she’s been there as a mentor for nurses and doctors who are now consultants and senior charge nurses everywhere.”

It is understood that Jane had been placed on leave from work given her age putting her in a high risk category.