RNAO statement on the passing of RN Lorraine Gouveia

30 April 2021. RNAO is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of registered nurse (RN) Lorraine Gouveia who died after contracting COVID-19. Lorraine worked in Peel Region and was described by her union SEIU as a “fierce activist, loving mother, admired friend and dedicated to making the lives of everyone she came in contact with better.” Lorraine has left us far too soon and we honour her commitment to her role as an RN and for her kind spirit. This news comes at a time Ontario continues to struggle with exceedingly high case counts, increasing admissions to hospital ICUs, thus transferring hospital patients to nursing homes, and devastating consequences for the families and loved ones of those who die as a result of COVID-19. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Lorraine’s family, colleagues and friends.

To honour RN Gouveia’s memory, we urge the Ford government to immediately act on all the recommendations of the science table and the various long-term care reports. Not doing so is costing lives and hardship.