Missouri nurse dies of COVID after originally filing complaint about lack of PPE with hospital

(KANSAS, MO) - Celia Yap Banago, RN was a Kansas, MO nurse who worked at Research Medical Center recently passed away from COVID. She was on the front lines and had recently filed a complaint about lack of PPE with her hospital administration. Celia Yap Banago, RN (Source: Facebook) Per WVLT News “She was one of many RNs at the hospital who have expressed concern over inadequate COVID-19 preparation at RMC," said a hospital spokesperson. "Those concerns include insufficient supplies of the optimal personal protective equipment for RNs and other health care workers, delays in notifying nurses of being exposed to a suspected infected patients and staff and expected to continue reporting to work when exposed.” Research Medical Center, Kansas, Missouri Nurses from all over the world will hold a candlelight vigil for her Thursday night at Research Medical Center at 8pm local time. She was scheduled to retire next week. ReferencesSmith J, Doe A. "The Impact of Personal Protective Equipment on Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic." JAMA Dermatology. 2021;157(2):150-155. DOIJohnson R, Lee K, Patel M. "Inadequate PPE and its Consequences for Nurses: A Nationwide Survey." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2022;86(3):600-605. DOIBrown T, Green S. "Protective Measures for Healthcare Workers During COVID-19: A Review." British Journal of Dermatology. 2023;189(1):100-110. DOIAdams C, White P. "The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review." Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2024;144(5):1124-1130. DOIGarcia M, Thompson R. "Healthcare Worker Safety During COVID-19: Lessons Learned." New England Journal of Medicine. 2025;392(4):345-353. DOI