Remembering the Worcestershire NHS staff who died of coronavirus

Sadly, three members of staff from Worcestershire Royal Hospital paid the ultimate price in their bid to protect and care for others.

Here we remember them and thank them for their service.

MISSED: Julie Omar sadly died of coronavirus

Julie Omar, 52

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, paid tribute to Julie Omar, who died at home on April 10.

In a video message to staff, Mr Hopkins said: "I wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your continuing and great efforts which will ensure we can meet the growing number of sick patients in our hospitals with Covid-19, particularly on this sad day when I had to share the news of the sudden death of one of our own, a much loved member of our nursing team, Julie Omar.

"Julie was a dedicated and highly experienced trauma and orthopaedics nurse and because she worked in both Redditch and Worcester, I always enjoyed chatting to her while on-site and I know she will be sadly missed.

"I also know this news will have a profound effect on many of you, not least because it brings the tragic consequences of this outbreak closer to home than it already was."

Mr Hopkins added: "We have been asked by her family not to share any more details at this stage and we will of course respect those wishes."

52 year-old Mrs Omar had been working as a sister on Ward 14 at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, and had also worked at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in the past.

The wife and mother had been self isolating with coronavirus symptoms when she died.

TRIBUTES: Carlos Sia died after battling the coronavirus in hospital

Carlos Sia, 62

Mr Sia worked at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, as did his wife Cindy and daughter, Clair. He died on May 15 after spending many weeks in hospital fighting Covid-19.

Matthew Hopkins, Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust's chief executive, said: "So very sad. My love goes out to his family and my thanks to our Worcestershire Acute Intensive Care who cared for him and tried to rescue him.

“Carlos, who was 62, had been with our trust since 2015 and was much loved by his colleagues. His quiet, gentle and respectful nature, his generosity of spirit, his sense of humour and his calming influence also made him popular with patients.

“We have lost a valued member of our trust family – and in Carlos’ case, the word ‘family’ has a special relevance as his wife Cindy works on Avon 2 as a healthcare assistant and his daughter Clair is a nurse on our Acute Stroke Unit.

Mr Sia leaves behind his wife and daughter and also three sons still living in the Philippines. His family described him as a very caring father, a great man and a loving husband.

MISSED: Jodon Gait died aged 46 from coronavirus

Jodon Gait, 46

Jodon Gait, a 'dedicated, kind and compassionate’ nurse who was working on the frontline at Worcestershire Royal Hospital died on April 25 after contracting the virus.

He had been caring for Worcester people for more than 15 years.

Rachel Cox, who also worked with Mr Gait, said: “I will never forget your kind face, so friendly and pure.

"You always helped me with the residents when I asked, you were so kind to them. Covid-19 took you. It is so unfair and not right.

"God bless, Jodon, and goodnight. I will miss our laughs. You will never be forgotten.”