Newton Aycliffe GP who died during pandemic given national recognition
Doctor Poornima Nair, 56, was the first Covid-19 patient to be admitted to the University Hospital of North Tees and Hartlepool.
She spent 46 days fighting the virus in intensive care before she died on May 12, 2020.
Doctor Poornima Nair has been honoured with an Elizabeth Emblem after she died in service during the pandemic Now, five years after her death, she has been honoured with an Elizabeth Emblem along with more than 100 other public servants who died in service.
She is one of six people who contracted Covid-19 while working in healthcare to be recognised in the list.
The award is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.
Born in New Delhi, in India, Dr Nair studied there at the University College of Medical Sciences to follow her dream of becoming a doctor.
Doctor Poornima Nair has been honoured with an Elizabeth Emblem after she died in service during the pandemic She and her husband Shlok Balupuri, a senior surgeon, were married in India, and the couple had a son, Varun Nair Balupuri.
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They moved to the UK in 1994, living in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, until 2010.
Dr Nair worked at Station View Medical Centre in Bishop Auckland for 15 years, where she was popular amongst fellow staff and patients.
The Elizabeth Emblem is awarded to the next of kin on behalf of the service person.
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