A HOSPITAL nurse described as a “kind, gentle man with a wonderful smile" has died in Worcestershire Royal Hospital after contracting coronavirus.

Carlos Sia, who was described as a truly dedicated NHS nurse, lost his battle against Covid-19 on May 15.

Mr Sia, from Worcester, leaves behind a wife and a daughter in the UK and three sons in the Philippines.

His colleagues described him as “kind, gentle man with a wonderful smile."

They said they had huge respect for him and loved working with him as he always treated patients with respect, great gentleness and care.

His children, living in the Philippines, paid a heartfelt tribute to him through a friend of the family, Fritzie Darlene.

They said: "Our papa Carlos was very caring and a loving husband to our mom, which is why it is very difficult for us to accept his passing.

"He was very professional and showed dedication to his work until the very end.

"As a family, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who comforted us and offered help in our moment of grief. May we all remember our dear father as a great man that he truly is.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Miss Darlene to raise money for Mr Sia's funeral costs. So far almost £1,000 has been raised.

You can visit the page by clicking here.

A friend commented: "To the Sia family far and wide. Lots of hugs & kisses. So sorry and sad to hear of your loss."

It is thought Mr Sia was a frontline NHS nurse who worked at Worcestershire Royal Hospital but the trust was unavailable as the Worcester News went to press.