Radiographer and nursing assistant are the latest NHS workers to die from coronavirus

An NHS worker who was a ‘great role model to all’ and a ‘much loved’ nursing assistant have become the latest health care workers to die after contracting Covid-19.  

Radiographer Simon Guest, who worked on the frontline at Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Cumbria, died on Wednesday after testing positive for coronavirus.

Described by his wife as a ‘true gentleman’, the healthcare worker, who also trained other radiographers, is among the 56 NHS workers who have fought on the frontline to help battle the coronavirus crisis and have died of the illness. 

The latest deaths comes as the UK continues to control the spread of the virus which has now claimed the lives of 16,060 people.

Simon Guest, who worked as a radiographer at Furness General Hospital in Cumbria, died after contracting Covid-19

Nursing assistant Ruben Muñoz (centre), who had worked at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust since 2011, has also died from coronavirus

Nursing assistant Ruben Muñoz (centre), who had worked at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust since 2011, has also died from coronavirus 

Following Mr Guest’s death, his wife told the BBC: ‘Simon was special, a true gentleman and a great role model to all,’ she said.

‘He was a gentle soul and so very caring with both his patients and NHS colleagues.

‘Simon had a fantastic sense of humour. His work ethic and personality were like sunshine and light even in the darkest of times.’ 

Just days later, nursing assistant Ruben Muñoz, a father-of-two and a husband, who had worked at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust since 2011, also died from coronavirus. 

Paying tribute to the healthcare worker was Surrey and Sussex trust chief executive, Michael Wilson, who described Mr Muñoz as a ‘highly respected’ and ‘talented’ individual.

He said: ‘Ruben was a highly respected and talented nursing assistant who showed enormous dedication to caring for his patients every time he walked through our doors. 

‘He was also a much-loved friend to so many people across our hospital and our team are incredibly saddened by his passing.’ 

In a statement seen by SurreyLive his family added: ‘Ruben is a good son, a beloved husband and an amazing father to his two children. He was so proud of his NHS and Woodland Ward family.’ 

The tragic deaths come as the coronavirus crisis continues to claim the lives of brave doctors, nurses and support staff helping fight the pandemic on the frontline. 

Earlier this week, Julianne Cadby, 49, of Cardiff, who worked in a string of roles at her health board for three decades and was a ‘much loved’ member of her team, died after contracting the virus.  

She started her career as a medical secretary before becoming a business manager at the specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.  

Dedicated Mrs Cadby was described by her colleagues as ‘always ensuring we are delivering the best service we can for children and young people.’

She leaves behind her husband Chris, their son Evan and her brother Ian. 

A spokesman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: ‘Julianne was a much loved member of our team, she was extremely warm and caring and would always make time to help and support hear colleagues.

‘Her dedication shone through, playing a central role in all that we do in the service and her focus was always on ensuring we are delivering the best service we can for children and young people.

‘Her loss will be felt by all the many colleagues she has worked with over the years.

‘She is survived by her husband Chris, their son Evan and her brother Ian. We will miss her greatly.’ 

Also this week 57-year-old Andy Treble who returned to the frontline during the crisis died of coronavirus after a battle in intensive care.  

Family and colleagues  paid tribute to Mr Treble after his death, with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Heath Board saying: ‘It is with profound sadness that we can confirm that Andy Treble, a theatre assistant at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, has passed away. Andy sadly died on the critical care unit on Wednesday.’

Julianne Cadby, 49, of Cardiff, worked in a string of roles at her health board for three decades and was a 'much loved' member of her team

Julianne Cadby was a 'much loved' member of her team

Julianne Cadby, 49, of Cardiff, worked in a string of roles at her health board for three decades and was a ‘much loved’ member of her team

Healthcare assistant Lourdes Campbell (pictured above) died from the coronavirus

Healthcare assistant Lourdes Campbell (pictured above) died from the coronavirus

Mr Treble who worked at Wrexham Maelor Hospital died from Covid-19

Mr Treble worked at the hospital in north Wales for alomost 40 years

Mr Treble (pictured) was described as a kind man who dedicated his life to his profession, and ‘always had a smile on his face’

Mr Treble had worked at the hospital in north Wales for almost 40 years and was well-loved by his colleagues.

His sister, Maria Molloy, described her brother as a kind man who dedicated his life to his profession, and ‘always had a smile on his face.’

She said: ‘Andy absolutely loved working at the Maelor, his colleagues were his other family.

‘He had a very kind nature and always put everyone else before himself. He was always laughing and smiling, he was such a good man.

‘We are devastated by his loss but would like to thank the critical care team who did their very best for Andy and above all were there for him at the very end. We will be forever grateful to them.’ 

This week tributes were also made to Lourdes Campbell, who worked for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, after she died on the critical care unit at Royal Bolton Hospital after contracting the virus. 

In a statement published on Thursday, chief executive of the trust Fiona Noden said: ‘It is with deep regret and huge sadness that I share with you the devastating news that we have lost a friend and colleague to the terrible Covid-19 virus.

‘Lourdes Campbell, a healthcare assistant, died a short time ago on our critical care unit.

‘Lourdes, known as Des to her colleagues, has worked with us for nearly 13 years.

‘She was a well-liked and valued member of the team, known for working extremely hard.

‘She was dedicated to patient care and her colleagues respected her quiet, diligent and compassionate approach.

‘This is a terrible and poignant reminder of the situation we are facing every day to help others and I want to thank every member our staff for their continued care for our patients and community.

‘Their continued courage and commitment to duty is inspirational and a comfort to us all in these difficult times.’

NHS worker Barbara Moore, 54, who 'dedicated her life to caring for others', died on April 6 at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus

NHS worker Barbara Moore, 54, who ‘dedicated her life to caring for others’, died on April 6 at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus

On April 6, Aintree University Hospital confirmed that they had lost long-serving staff nurse Liz Glanister (centre), 68, after she contracted Covid-19

On April 6, Aintree University Hospital confirmed that they had lost long-serving staff nurse Liz Glanister (centre), 68, after she contracted Covid-19

Earlier this month  Barbara Moore, 54, who worked as a patient discharge planner at Aintree University Hospital, died on April 6 at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.

Described as an ‘unsung hero’, the mother-of-two and grandmother, who ‘loved nothing more than spending precious time with her family’, is now the second member of staff to die from coronavirus at Aintree Hospital. 

In a statement, Mrs Moore’s family said: ‘Barbara was a much loved wife, mum, nan, sister, aunty, friend and beautiful person. 

‘Barbara dedicated her life to caring for others and doted on her two beautiful children and grandchildren.

‘She loved nothing more than spending precious time with her family. Barbara will be sadly missed by so many.’ 

A spokesman for Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is in charge of Aintree Hospital, said: ‘It is with incredible sadness that the trust have today confirmed the death of one of their members of staff, Barbara Moore, aged 54, who had tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19).

‘Barbara, a patient discharge planner at Aintree University Hospital, passed away on Monday, 6 April, at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

‘Barbara had joined the hospital team after spending most of her career as a care worker for people with disabilities.’ 

Just days earlier, on April 6, the hospital confirmed that they had lost long-serving staff nurse Liz Glanister, 68, who died after contracting coronavirus.

In a statement on social media Ms Brown 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.              

Heavily pregnant NHS nurse, 28, dies of coronavirus as friends and family mourn the deaths of three other brave health workers who have died on the frontline

By Raven Saunt, Tom Pyman and Amie Gorden for the MailOnline and Inderdeep Bains for the Daily Mail

Damning questions are being asked over why a nurse who died from coronavirus was still working well into the final three months of her pregnancy.  

Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong’s condition deteriorated rapidly after contracting the virus last week, but desperate to save her baby daughter, she underwent an emergency caesarean.

Tragically, the 28-year-old died just days later on Easter Sunday.  

The little girl is understood to be alive but it is not yet clear if she has tested positive for the disease.

Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong

Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong

Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, said: ‘The death of Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong from Luton and Dunstable Hospital could have been prevented, a child will now grow up without her mother – this tragedy could have been prevented’

However, concerns are being raised after Luton and Dunstable Hospital, where she nursed for five years, confirmed she had been working on ward 12 – which has since become a Covid-19 ward – until March 12 at least and possibly later.

She was eight months pregnant when she died and stopped working at 28 weeks, as permitted in official guidance, which hospital bosses said they followed. 

However, it has led to renewed calls for a rethink, with campaigners insisting: ‘All pregnant women shouldn’t be on the frontline.’ 

Pictured: Father-of-two Dr Peter Tun, who worked as an associate specialist in neurorehabilitation at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for more than 21 years, passed away on Monday

Pictured: Father-of-two Dr Peter Tun, who worked as an associate specialist in neurorehabilitation at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for more than 21 years, passed away on Monday 

Cheryl Williams (left), who worked as a housekeeper on an elderly patient ward at North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton, north London, died on Easter Sunday

Cheryl Williams (left), who worked as a housekeeper on an elderly patient ward at North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton, north London, died on Easter Sunday

Father-of-two Dr Peter Tun, 62, died in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Reading on Monday.

Another victim, Ade Raymond, 48, had been working as a healthcare assistant for the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust before he died.

And Cheryl Williams, who worked as a housekeeper on an elderly patient ward at North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton, north London, died on Easter Sunday. 

Another victim, Ade Raymond, 48, (pictured) had been working as a healthcare assistant for the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust before he died

Another victim, Ade Raymond, 48, (pictured) had been working as a healthcare assistant for the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust before he died

Colleagues of Mr Raymond at the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust have also paid tribute following his tragic death

Colleagues of Mr Raymond at the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust have also paid tribute following his tragic death

Tributes have since been paid to Dr Tun who had worked as an associate specialist in neurorehabilitation at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for more than 21 years.  

In an emotional statement, his children said: ‘Our family is immensely proud of our superhero dad.

‘He used to say, ‘Treat all your patients like they are your own family’, and this speaks to the type of character that he had.

‘To us, he was simply the best human we know and we will miss him every day.’

It comes as a dental nurse was also confirmed to have died after being treated for coronavirus for a month.  

Mother-of-one Linnette Cruz, 51, (pictured) was also confirmed to have died after being treated for coronavirus for a month

Mother-of-one Linnette Cruz, 51, was a senior head nurse at a practice in Sketty, Swansea.

Mrs Cruz was admitted to hospital last month after suffering with Covid-19 symptoms but died on April 14.

Dental practice owner Nik Patel paid tribute to her by saying: ‘She brought love, light and joy to everyone around her. She will be sadly missed by all.’

 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk