A brave nurse who warned about a lack of PPE and a ‘much loved’ hospital worker have become the latest NHS staff to die from coronavirus.
Grandfather Gareth Roberts, 65, had come out of retirement to work at Llandough Hospital in Cardiff and was doing extra shifts to cope with the crisis.
His family claim he was working with just a ‘paper mask, plastic gloves and a pinny’.
He later became ill himself with coronavirus, and gradually his condition deteriorated. He died at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales on Saturday.
At least 35 NHS staff have died during the outbreak after testing positive although it is not known how many contracted the virus due to inadequate supplies of PPE.
Amarante Dias, a ‘much loved’ staff member at Weston General Hospital, in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset is among the latest to die from coronavirus.
Mr Roberts’ family has now hit out at the lack of protective equipment for NHS staff after the death of the ‘much-loved and dedicated’ member of the health team.
Grandfather Gareth Roberts, 65, (pictured) had come out of retirement to work at Llandough Hospital in Cardiff and was doing extra shifts to cope with the crisis
Amarante Dias, a ‘much loved’ staff member at Weston General Hospital, in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset is among the latest to die from coronavirus
Family friend Janette Leonard (left) said that Mr Roberts (right) did not have the correct PPE. She said he had been left wearing just a ‘paper mask, plastic gloves and a pinny’
Family friend Janette Leonard said: ‘He didn’t have PPE. In the beginning he said he didn’t have anything.
‘For Gareth, he paid the ultimate price. Yeah we’re angry.
‘Why would you send a soldier on to the front line without combat gear? It’s unthinkable.’
Mr Roberts devoted 40 years of his life to caring for people in hospitals around Cardiff and spent his last shift at Llandough Hospital in the Welsh capital.
He worked as a nurse across the Cardiff and Vale health board area since the 1980s, coming out of retirement in January 2015.
His wife Linda was told to attend his bedside at 3am when it became clear he would pass away.
Over the last few weeks, Mr Roberts worked extra shifts to help cover the wards at Llandough Hospital.
Mr Roberts (pictured) worked as a nurse across the Cardiff and Vale health board area since the 1980s, coming out of retirement in January 2015
Mr Roberts’ wife Linda (pictured together) was told to attend his bedside at 3am when it became clear he would pass away. Over the last few weeks, Mr Roberts worked extra shifts to help cover the wards at Llandough Hospital
Ms Leonard said: ‘They called Linda at three in the morning.
‘They said: ‘He’s going, get over here’. They gowned her up – and she was with him.’
Ms Leonard said the family have concerns about a lack of personal protective equipment for frontline staff.
She said: ‘He had a paper mask, plastic gloves and a pinny.
‘Well that’s alright if you are making sandwiches but not when you are going to nurse people with the disease.’
Ms Leonard has now set up a fundraising page to help his family with funeral costs, which raised £2,700 in less than a day.
His friends say he was a kind man with a great sense of humour.
Ms Leonard, a friend of Mr Roberts since childhood, said his sense of humour would ‘make you weak’
‘You couldn’t not love him – his sense of humour, he was just so dry,’ she said.
‘Cariad [Welsh for darling] was his favourite word. The nursing sister in the ward was saying to me she’ll miss him saying: ‘Come on cariad, we can do this together’.
‘That’s how he was – a proper genuine, lovely guy.’
Mr Roberts, of Aberdare, south Wales was father to Ceri and Dean and a grandfather to 16-year-old Zac – who he and Linda had brought up after their son Dean passed away 11 years ago.
In a statement, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: ‘Gareth had been part of our nursing family since the 1980’s and worked across our hospital sites.’
It added ‘Gareth was well known by everyone and was an extremely popular, fun-filled and well liked person, always greeting everyone with – ‘Hello Cariad’ when he saw them.’
A spokesman for the Welsh Government said: ‘We are working with the rest of the UK to ensure there is sufficient supply of PPE and we’re working with Welsh businesses to produce PPE in Wales.
‘We are doing everything we can do ensure PPE is available for health and social care staff.’
News of Mr Roberts passing comes as it emerged the EU has ordered €1.5billion (£1.3billion) worth of protective masks, gowns and gloves for doctors and nurses – but Britain did not take part in talks about the purchases.
Some 25 European countries and eight companies are involved in the joint PPE procurement scheme and the first deliveries could be received within days, the Guardian reported.
A spokesman for the commission said the joint scheme has led to offers of protective gear in excess of the amount requested.
However, the UK will miss out on the PPE because it did not take part in any of the three rounds of bulk-buying which were first launched by the EU in February.
A plaster technician in Doncaster and a pharmacy worker in Merseyside are among the latest NHS workers to have died from the coronavirus.
Donna Campbell, 54, tested positive for coronavirus after being admitted into intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. She has been described as a bubbly personality
Kevin Smith, who worked putting plaster casts on patients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, died after catching coronavirus. Colleagues paid tribute to him as an ‘incredible person’ who ‘loved his job’ and as a man who was ‘renowned for his warm personality’
Donna Campbell, 54, worked as a nurse at the Velindre cancer hospital, Cardiff, where she was known for singing and dancing with patients.
She had been at the hospital for 20 years after getting her first position there as a volunteer, and was known among staff and patients for her bright and bubbly personality.
Ms Campbell was treated in intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, after she tested positive for the virus.
Kevin Smith, who died after a short battle with coronavirus, had worked putting plaster casts on patients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, South Yorkshire. He had been employed by the NHS for 35 years.
His heartbroken daughter Ellie Whitley wrote on social media: ‘It’s so overwhelming to see so many amazing comments for such an incredible person who loved his job and everyone he worked with for many years.
‘Thank you everyone. We will all miss him greatly but never forget him, ever!’
Heartbreaking roll call of the NHS workers who have died from coronavirus as they battled pandemic on the front line
The Government has confirmed 19 deaths amongst those working for the health service, but announcements from NHS trusts and tributes from loved ones indicate the true number is higher still.
Here are the NHS workers MailOnline understands to have died during the coronavirus pandemic so far:
Amarante Dias, medical director
The hospital in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, confirmed yesterday its employee Amarante Dias passed away after testing positive for covid-19
The hospital in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, confirmed yesterday its employee Amarante Dias passed away after testing positive for covid-19.
Dr William Oldfield, medical director at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS trust, said: ‘We are deeply saddened at losing
Amarante Dias who was such a valued and much-loved colleague.
‘On behalf of everyone at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, including our patients and the communities we serve, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to his family.
‘Amarante will be greatly missed and we are ensuring that staff have access to support to help them at this difficult time.
‘We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the privacy of the family at their request.’
The Weston Super Mare Association of Malayalees posted a tribute on social media: ‘Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family, (Amarante Dias) will deeply be missed.’
Melujean Ballesteros, 60, nurse, died on April 12
The ‘dedicated and very caring’ Filipino nurse, 60, died at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, on Sunday, April 12, just two days after being admitted
The ‘dedicated and very caring’ Filipino nurse, 60, died at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, on Sunday, April 12, just two days after being admitted.
Her son, Rainier, 37, said: ‘My mum is a dedicated and very caring nurse.
‘She started her career in the UK in 2003, she loved her work as a nurse.’
Rainier, who lives in Calauag in the Philippines, said Mrs Ballesteros had a fever and cough in mid-March and self-isolated for nine days.
But on Friday Rainier said the family convinced her to visit the hospital due to her worsening condition, and so she was picked up by ambulance and was admitted. She died two days later.
Mrs Ballesteros is survived by her two sons, Rainier and Bryan, 38, who also lives in the Philippines, and husband Luis, 64, who lives in the UK.
Kevin Smith, plaster technician, died on April 12
Kevin Smith, who worked putting plaster casts on patients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, died after catching coronavirus. Colleagues paid tribute to him as an ‘incredible person’ who ‘loved his job’ and as a man who was ‘renowned for his warm personality’
Doncaster Royal Infirmary confirmed the death of plaster technician Kevin Smith on April 12, following a ‘brief, but courageous, battle with Covid-19’.
He worked at the hospital for more than 35 years and was ‘renowned for his warm personality, diligence and compassion’, the trust said.
His heartbroken daughter Ellie Whitley wrote on social media: ‘It’s so overwhelming to see so many amazing comments for such an incredible person who loved his job and everyone he worked with for many years.
‘Thank you everyone. We will all miss him greatly but never forget him, ever!’
The chief executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, Richard Parker OBE, said: ‘I am utterly heartbroken to share the news that Kevin Smith, a well-respected and hugely popular member of our team, has sadly passed away following a brief but courageous battle with Covid-19.
‘A plaster technician and valued member of the team for over 35 years, Kev, as he was known to friends and colleagues, was renowned for his warm personality, diligence and compassion.’
Gareth Roberts, 65, nurse, died on April 11
Grandfather Gareth Roberts, 65, (pictured) had come out of retirement to work at Llandough Hospital in Cardiff and was doing extra shifts to cope with the crisis
Grandfather Gareth Roberts, 65, had come out of retirement to work at Llandough Hospital in Cardiff and was doing extra shifts to cope with the crisis.
But he became ill himself with coronavirus, and gradually his condition deteriorated. He died at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales on Saturday.
His family have now hit out at the lack of protective equipment after the death of the ‘much-loved and dedicated’ member of the health team.
Family friend Janette Leonard said: ‘He didn’t have PPE. In the beginning he said he didn’t have anything.
‘For Gareth, he paid the ultimate price. Yeah we’re angry.
‘Why would you send a soldier on to the front line without combat gear? It’s unthinkable.’
Mr Roberts devoted 40 years of his life to caring for people in hospitals around Cardiff and spent his last shift at Llandough Hospital in the Welsh capital.
He worked as a nurse across the Cardiff and Vale health board area since the 1980s, coming out of retirement in January 2015.
His wife Linda was told to attend his bedside at 3am when it became clear he would pass away.
Oscar King Jr, 45, hospital porter, died on April 11
Mr King Jr, believed to have worked at the hospital for 10 years, was described as a ‘beloved friend, loving husband, and devoted father’ to his 10-year-old daughter
Aged 45, Oscar King Jr, a Filipino porter at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, passed away on April 11. He was said to have worked for the hospital for more than a decade, ‘always doing his job with great enthusiasm and joy’.
Mr King Jr, believed to have worked at the hospital for 10 years, was described as a ‘beloved friend, loving husband, and devoted father’ to his 10-year-old daughter.
His wife had also been taken to hospital after suffering severe symptoms, according to the GoFundMe page.
A Commons library report published last year found that more than 18,000 Filipinos work in the NHS, third only to the numbers from Britain and India.
The Philippines also provided more nurses and clinical support staff than any other country outside of the UK, the study found.
Lola McEvoy, NHS organiser for the GMB union, said the porters’ deaths was ‘awful, awful news’.
‘Support staff in our NHS are risking their lives to protect us. The sacrifice to our country of those who have lost their lives must never be forgotten,’ she added.
Elbert Rico, hospital porter, died on April 10
Mr Rico worked as a porter there since moving to the UK from the Philippines in 2004 ‘and loved the work that he did’
A colleague of Mr King Jr at John Radcliffe, Mr Rico worked as a porter there since moving to the UK from the Philippines in 2004 ‘and loved the work that he did’, according to a fundraising page published by his family.
Both men were married to members of the nursing team at the hospital, the trust said.
Fundraising pages were set up in the names of both workers following their deaths.
A page set up for Mr Rico said he had worked for the hospital since coming to the UK in 2004, adding that he ‘loved the work that he did’.
‘He was always hard working and would prioritise others’ needs firsts. He would walk around the hospital with a smile on his face and very rarely would he call in sick from work.’
Donna Campbell, healthcare support worker, died on April 10
Donna Campbell, 54, tested positive for coronavirus after being admitted into intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. She has been described as a bubbly personality
Donna Campbell, 54, worked as a nurse at the Velindre cancer hospital, Cardiff, where she was known for singing and dancing with patients.
She had been at the hospital for 20 years after getting her first position there as a volunteer, and was known among staff and patients for her bright and bubbly personality.
Ms Campbell was treated in intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, after she tested positive for the virus.
The Velindre University NHS Trust paid tribute to the nurse who will ‘always have a special place in our hearts’.
‘She was often found singing and dancing, entertaining patients and staff, making everyone smile,’ they said.
‘Donna will always have a special place in our hearts and we will all want to send our heartfelt sympathy and love to her family at this very difficult time.’
‘Our staff and particularly Donna’s team on First Floor Ward, are completely heartbroken that their beautiful, kind-hearted friend and colleague has died’.
‘She was without doubt a treasured member of our work family who could light up a room with her infectious laugh and bubbly personality.
‘But at the same time she had the most wonderful ability to comfort and care for people.’
Sara Trollope, 51, nurse, died on April 10
Sara Trollope (pictured with the PM last year), 51, was just months away from retiring when she became yet another hero to been named a victim of the deadly bug on Saturday
A 51-year-old matron for older adult mental health services in Hillingdon, west London, Ms Trollope died at Watford General hospital on April 10 after testing positive for the virus.
She was just months away from retiring when she became yet another hero to be struck down by the deadly bug.
Ms Trollope, who worked at Hillingdon Hospital – where she was pictured next to he PM last year – has been praised for her support for older people with dementia.
Medical director Dr Paul Hopper said: ‘Sara had that unbeatable combination of kindness, selflessness and total determination to get things right for patients. She was an example to every one of us.’
News of Ms Trollope’s death came as it emerged that Mr Johnson came close to death as he desperately fought coronavirus in an intensive care unit.
Julie Omar, 52, nurse, died on April 10
Aged 52, the trauma and orthopaedics nurse at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital, in Worcestershire, died at home while self-isolating with symptoms on April 10
Aged 52, the trauma and orthopaedics nurse at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital, in Worcestershire, died at home while self-isolating with symptoms on April 10.
She was an experienced trauma and orthopaedics nurse who had most recently been working at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive Matthew Hopkin issued a statement which read: ‘It is with great sorrow that I have to share with you the sad news that a much-loved member of our nursing team – Julie Omar – has died.
Julie had been self-isolating at home after developing symptoms of Covid-19, but sadly her condition deteriorated and she died at home yesterday morning.
‘We have been asked by her family not to share any more details at this stage and we will of course respect those wishes.’
Amor Gatinao, 50, nurse, died on April 10
Another nurse, Amor Padilla Gatinao, 50, (pictured) who worked as a nurse at St Charles Hospital, Ladbroke Grove, West London, died after falling ill on Mother’s Day
The nurse is reported to have died on the morning of April 10, having worked at St Charles Hospital, west London.
Amor Padilla Gatinao, 50, who worked as a nurse at St Charles Hospital, Ladbroke Grove, West London, died after falling ill on Mother’s Day.
Her family suspect Ms Padilla-Gatinao, who suffered from asthma, type-2 diabetes and hyperthyroidism, caught the virus at work where she did not have the right protective clothing.
Her daughter Allysa Gatinao, 24, said: ‘There is a shortage of PPE in hospitals. Matt Hancock can’t deny this as the evidence is there.’
Aimee O’Rourke, 39, nurse, died on April 9
Aimee O’Rourke, 39, passed away last night at the QEQM Hospital in Margate, Kent, following the surfacing of symptoms two weeks ago
Aged 39, the nurse and mother died at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQMH) in Margate, Kent, where she worked, on Thursday April 9.
Ms O’Rourke had three daughters, Maddie, Mollie and Meghan, who described her mother as an ‘angel’ who will ‘wear [her] NHS crown forever more’.
Friends of Ms O’Rourke paid tribute to the ‘one in a million’ nurse.
Friend Hannah Walden wrote on Facebook: ‘Yesterday heaven gained a beautiful young lady.
‘I was lucky to know her and work with her when I worked for CDU (clinical decision unit) QEQM. You were an amazing nurse and mum sleep tight Aimee O’Rourke God bless.’
Lucy Page said: ‘Every now and again special people come in to your life and they have the highest impact.
‘Aimee O’Rourke taught to me fight for what I believe in and gave me courage so many times to do it.
‘…Aimee I love you and not a single day will go by when I don’t think.about you. You were one in a million and you are going to leave such an empty space in all our hearts forever. Miss you already.
‘PLEASE the next time you think about going out or meeting people unnecessarily… think again!!!’
Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, consultant urologist, died on April 8
The doctor, pictured with his wife, worked as a Consultant Urologist at Homerton Hospital in east London
The 53-year-old wrote a Facebook post asking Prime Minister Boris Johnson to urgently provide every NHS worker with PPE just five days before he died on the night of Wednesday April 8.
Abdul Mabud Chowdhury passed away in hospital after a 15-day battle against the virus.
Just three weeks ago, he wrote to the Prime Minister, asking him to ‘urgently’ ensure PPE was available for ‘each and every NHS worker in the UK’.
The doctor, known to friends and family as Faisal, worked as a consultant urologist in east London and leaves behind a wife, with whom he only recently celebrated a 25th wedding anniversary, and two children.
He died at 1am at Queens Hospital in Romford, according to his brother, who wrote: ‘I ask you humbly my dear brothers and sisters to please keep my brother in your prayers.’
The Muslim Doctors Association paid tribute to him in a statement, which reads: ‘We are deeply saddened by the death of Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, Consultant Urologist at Homerton Hospital, after fighting for his life from Covid-19.
‘He leaves behind his wife and two children. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
‘Two weeks before his admission to hospital he wrote a message to the Prime Minister urging for better PPE. May he rest in peace.’
Dr Edmond Adedeji, 62, doctor, died on April 8
Dr Edmond Adedeji (pictured), 62, who worked as a locum registrar in the emergency department of Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Wiltshire, died on April 8
The 62-year-old worked as a locum registrar in the emergency department of Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Wiltshire, and died ‘doing a job he loved’ on April 8.
‘He died doing a job he loved, serving others before himself,’ his family said in a statement to the BBC.
The hospital’s chief executive added he was a ‘respected and well-liked member of the team’.
Dr Fayez Ayache, GP, died on April 8
Dr Fayez Ayache, who lived in Raydon in Suffolk, had been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and coronavirus
The 76-year-old general practitioner and grandfather died in Ipswich Hospital on April 8, having been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and coronavirus.
The grandfather, who lived in Raydon in Suffolk, had been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and coronavirus.
His family said he stopped working nearly a month ago but may have continued to visit patients at home.
Dr Ayache retired two years ago but quickly returned to work ‘a couple of days a week’, his eldest daughter Layla Ayache, 35.
He worked as a GP with North Clacton Medical Group and also ran an ear, nose and throat clinic at Ipswich Hospital.
Dr Ayache stopped working again three-and-a-half weeks ago because of the risk of coronavirus, his daughter said.
She said she did not know where he had contracted the virus, but believed he may still have been seeing people to give medical advice.
Elsie Sazuze, care home nurse, died on April 7
Mrs Sazuze, who worked for Wolverhampton-based agency Totallycare, died on April 7 at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield
Mrs Sazuze, who worked for Wolverhampton-based agency Totallycare, died on April 7 at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, according to the BBC, who spoke with her husband Ken.
Ms Sazuze fell ill at home in Erdington, Birmingham.
Her husband, Ken Sazuze, said his wife called him at home before being put on a ventilator.
He said: ‘She started telling me, ‘Ken, if I don’t come back, be strong, I love you, be strong for the kids.’
Leilani Dayrit, 47, nurse, died on April 7
Leilani Dayrit, 47, worked as a nurse at St Cross Hospital in Rugby, Warwickshire, and died on April 7
Described as a ‘ray of sunshine’, Ms Dayrit, a Filipino nurse who worked at St Cross Hospital in Rugby, died on April 7.
The 47-year-old worked as a nurse at St Cross Hospital in Rugby, Warwickshire, and died on April 7.
She leaves behind her husband a daughter, who described her as ‘selfless until the very end’ and a ‘truly special and beautiful person inside and out’.
A crowdfunding page set up to fund funeral costs has already raised more than £11,000.
It reads: ‘She was a ray of sunshine to those people who were fortunate to meet her.
‘Her beautiful smile mirrors her beautiful heart full of love. Her strong will power to surpass any trial in life and her optimism resonates to everyone.’
Mrs Dayrit had worked for the NHS for 16 years after training in her native Philippines.
She was described as a ‘very dedicated worker’ who was often referred to by children of her friends as ‘Mummy Lei’ or ‘second mother’.
She grew up with seven siblings in Vigan City, going on to become a community youth leader, student and even a beauty queen.
She got her degree in nursing from the University of North Philippines before moving to the UK.
Donald Suelto, 51, nurse, died on April 7
The 51-year-old, who worked at Hammersmith Hospital in west London, died on April 7 after going into self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms.
Alice Kit Tak Ong, 70, nurse, died on April 7
NHS nurse Alice Kit Tak Ong died from the coronavirus, she moved to the UK when she was 23-years-old to study nursing
The 70-year-old, originally from Hong Kong, died on April 7 after 44 years of working for the NHS. She was described by her daughter Melissa as ‘generous to everyone else before herself’.
Speaking to The Guardian, Ms Ong’s daughter said her mother had spent her life helping others.
Melissa Ong said her mother ‘loved her job and she loved her patients’.
‘She was completely dedicated to her work, that’s what she was doing until the moment she was taken ill’, she said.
It is believed that she may have contracted the disease while working at a hospital without protective equipment.
She had first come to the UK at just 23-year-old to study nursing.
Janice Graham, 58, nurse, died on April 6
The 58-year-old healthcare support worker from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) became the first nurse in Scotland to die as a result of the coronavirus pandemic on April 6.
Syed Haider, GP, died on April 6
The family doctor worked in Dagenham, east London, and died in hospital on April 6 after it is believed he developed coronavirus symptoms.
Barbara Moore, 54, patient discharge planner, died on April 6
Described as an ‘unsung hero’, the 54-year-old grandmother died on April 6, the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said.
A staff member at the Valence Medical Centre in Dagenham, east London – where Dr Haider worked – confirmed the tragic news.
The News International, a Pakistani newspaper, spoke to his son, who described him as a ‘selfless man driven by his passion for his profession’.
He added: ‘Even whilst in hospital breathing his last, he was urging doctors and nurses to pay attention to other patients rather than him.
‘Many at his age would have retired yet his dedication to his profession was immeasurable.’
Dr Alfa Saadu, 68, doctor, died on April 6
Dr Saadu had been working at Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Welwyn, Hertfordshire
The 68-year-old, who had returned to work from retirement, died on April 6 at the Whittington Hospital in north London.
He died after fighting the virus for two weeks, had been working at Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
His son Dani told HuffPost UK: ‘He was a very passionate man, who cared about saving people. As soon you spoke to him about medicine his face would light up.
‘He worked for the NHS for nearly 40 years in different hospitals across London. He loved to lecture people in the world of medicine – he did so in the UK and Africa.’
He also described his father as a ‘massive family man’, adding that he leaves behind two sons and a wife who is also a retired doctor, in occupational health.
Dr Saadu, who was originally from Nigeria, was a former clinical director of the care of the elderly department at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
He was also medical director of Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, and medical director and consultant physician at Ealing Hospital in West London.
Jitendra Rathod, surgeon, died on April 6
Jitendra Rathod, 58, was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he first started working in the 1990s, but died from coronavirus yesterday
A ‘highly regarded’ associate specialist in cardio-thoracic surgery at the University Hospital of Wales, Mr Rathod died on the morning of April 6.
Mr Rathod, who was from India, had been working in the hospital since the 1990s.
A statement by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: ‘It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that Mr Jitendra Rathod, associate specialist in cardiothoracic surgery, has passed away.
‘He died early this morning on our general intensive care unit after testing positive for Covid-19.’
The father-of-two was described as an ‘incredibly dedicated surgeon’ who cared deeply for his patients and was highly regarded in the medical profession in Wales.
A cardiothoracic surgeon is a specialist who operates on the heart, lungs and other thoracic (chest) organs.
‘He was well-liked and and greatly respected by one and all,’ the health board statement added.
‘He was very compassionate and a wonderful human being. His commitment to the speciality was exemplary. He is survived by his wife and two sons.’
Mr Rathod worked in the department of cardio-throacic surgery since the mid 1990s. He later had a brief stint abroad before returning to UHW in 2006.
Lynsay Coventry, 54, midwife, died on April 6
In a touching tribute, face mask-wearing medics at Prices Alexandra lined the corridors and fell silent to remember their colleague
Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex announced the death of 54-year-old – the first involving a serving NHS midwife after testing positive for the virus – on April 5.
Ms Coventry passed away at neighbouring Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust after initially self-isolating at home and was not at work before her death.
In a touching tribute, face mask-wearing medics at Prices Alexandra lined the corridors and fell silent to remember their colleague.
With ‘great sadness’, the chief executive of the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust Lance McCarthy, announced her death and paid tribute to her ‘professionalism and commitment’.
In a statement, Ms Coventry’s family said: ‘As a family, our hearts are broken at the loss of our loving, wonderful and caring mum, sister, daughter and grandmother.
‘We each know how much she loved and cherished us. Her love for us all was unfailing and her strength in the way she cared and supported us will fill our memories.
‘What we also know is how proud she was to be an NHS midwife. Lynsay followed her dream and trained as a midwife later in life.
‘It was a role she committed herself to and saw the midwifery team at the Princess Alexandra Hospital as her other family.
‘She was a very well-respected midwife who supported many hundreds of women as they welcomed their babies into the world.’
Glen Corbin, 59, nurse, died on April 4
The 59-year-old had worked at the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in Harlesden, north-west London, for more than 25 years and his Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust announced his death on April 4.
His colleagues have paid tribute to him after he died of the disease, saying he was looking forward to his 60th birthday this year.
They said: ‘Glen was a much loved colleague and will be sorely missed. Our condolences to his family, friends and loved ones at this sad and difficult time.’
It was revealed last week that 20,000 former NHS staff have come back to the profession to help combat the deadly disease.
Rebecca Mack, 29, nurse, died on April 5
Tributes have poured in for Rebecca Mack (pictured), a child cancer nurse from Newcastle who’s died from coronavirus
The 29-year-old died on April 5, after going into self-isolation with symptoms. Her friend Sarah Bredin-Kemp said she was an ‘incredible nurse’.
Her heartbroken best friend, Sarah Bredin-Kemp, revealed her sorrow in a touching Facebook post about the medic, who most recently worked as a 111 operator
She wrote: ‘Becca was one of the best friends I’ve ever had. She was a devoted friend, an incredible nurse and a unapologetically imperfect person: She was the most accident-prone, stubborn, chatterbox with a bizarre catchphrase and inappropriate joke for every occasion.
‘Her iconic love of leopard print and statement earrings was rivaled only by Pat Butcher herself.
‘She would never take ‘I’m busy, I’m not coming to the pub’ as an answer. She was useless at hiding her emotions: she would just describe things she didn’t like as as ‘interesting’ or ‘alternative’, with an expression of pure loathing.
‘She was a high maintenance, foot-in-mouth oversharer with a love of cheesy music, crappy tv and an inexplicable hatred of small animals.
‘But she would be the first in line to tell you off when you were doubting yourself.
‘She was honest, warm and charismatic. She worked hard and made her family proud every single day.’
Dr Anton Sebastianpillai, consultant, died on April 4
Dr Anton Sebastianpillai became the thirteenth frontline medic to die from the virus on Saturday
The consultant geriatrician died on April 4, four days after being admitted to the intensive care unit and two weeks after completing his final shift on March 20, according to Kingston Hospital in south-west London.
In a statement, a spokesman for the hospital said Dr Anton had completed his last shift with the hospital on March 20.
‘It is with great sadness that I confirm the death of a consultant geriatrician who was part of the team…Dr Anton Sebastianpillai died on Saturday 4 April 2020 having been cared for in the hospital’s intensive care unit since March 31.
‘Dr Sebastianpillai completed his last shift with us on March 20 and we would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family.’
The Peradeniya Medical School Alumni Association of the United Kingdom said the doctor had retired from his career and had volunteered to work with Covid-19 patients.
Liz Glanister, nurse, died on April 3
On April 6, Aintree University Hospital confirmed that they had lost long-serving staff nurse Liz Glanister, 68, after she contracted Covid-19
Aintree University Hospital said the staff nurse died on Friday April 3, with her family describing the loss as ‘simply beyond words’.
In a statement on social media, the hospital said: ‘All our thoughts are with Liz’s family at this time and we offer them our sincere condolences. Liz will be sadly missed by all those who knew and worked with her.
‘I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Liz for her dedication to her patients, colleagues and friends over many years.’
At Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall and The Cunard Building the Union flag was flown at half mast in honour of Ms Glanister.
John Alagos, 27, nurse, died on April 3
John Alagos, a London nurse of 27 who treated covid-19 patients, fell ill at work but was not allowed to go home due to staffing shortages
The Mail On Sunday reported that the 27-year-old nurse – who treated coronavirus patients at Watford General Hospital – died after a shift on Friday April 3.
His mother, Gina Gustilo, 50, told The Mail on Sunday her son had not been wearing the right protective clothing at work.
He returned home on Friday following a night shift, after complaining of suffering a headache and high temperature throughout the night.
A tearful Mrs Gustilo said: ‘I asked “Why didn’t you come home?” He said he had asked other staff but they said they were short of staff and they did not let him go. I said, “OK, take some paracetamol.” After a few minutes, I found him turning blue in his bed.’
After finding her son unconscious in his bedroom, Ms Gustilo immediately called 999 but paramedics were unable to resuscitate him.
Watford General Hospital said in a statement: ‘Our staff are fully briefed on the symptoms of Covid-19 and we would never expect anyone to remain at work if they were showing these symptoms or indeed were unwell in any way.
‘We have always kept our staff updated on the latest PPE guidance to make sure they have the right level of protection.’ A spokeswoman added: ‘John was very popular and will be missed greatly.’
Mr Alagos, from Watford, was born in the Philippines, but moved to Britain as a youngster and had become a British citizen.
Ms Gustilo said her son did not have any underlying medical conditions.
Areema Nasreen, 36, nurse, died on April 2
Aged 36, Ms Nasreen died on April 2 in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands – where she had worked for 16 years.
Sami Shousha, 79, researcher, died on April 2
The professor, 79, who had worked at UK cancer research laboratories at London’s Hammersmith and Charing Cross hospitals since 1978, died on April 2.
Thomas Harvey, 57, nurse, died on March 29
The healthcare assistant, 57, a father-of-seven who worked at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford, east London, died at home on March 29.
Dr Amged El-Hawrani, 55, consultant, died on March 28
An ear, nose and throat consultant with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), the 55-year-old died at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester on March 28.
Pooja Sharma, pharmacist, died on March 26
Ms Sharma, a pharmacist at Eastbourne District General Hospital, died unexpectedly on March 26 according to a JustGiving page created in her memory.
Dr Habib Zaidi, 76, doctor, died on March 25
The GP in Leigh-on-Sea died in intensive care at Southend Hospital, Essex, on March 25, aged 76.
Dr Adil El Tayar, 63, transplant surgeon, died on March 25
The 63-year-old died at West Middlesex University Hospital in Isleworth, west London, on March 25, working as a locum surgeon before his death.