WORCESTERSHIRE Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has sent all colleagues a letter following the recent death of nurse, Carlos Sia.

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.

Chief executive Matthew Hopkins said in the letter: “It is once again my sad duty to share with you the news that we have lost a colleague to Covid-19.

“Carlos Sia, who was a healthcare assistant on Avon 4, died on Friday in ITU at Worcester where he had been cared for over a period of several weeks after falling ill.

“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.

“Cindy and Clair are particularly in our thoughts at this sad time, as are all Carlos’ colleagues who worked alongside him and those who cared for him through his illness.

“Colleagues who worked most closely with Carlos have been offered support over the weekend but please remember that during this difficult time we are offering a wide range of support and counselling to all our staff.

“We still have some way to go before this current outbreak is behind us, and I would again like to thank you all for the extraordinary efforts you are making for our patients.

“Please continue to take care of yourselves and stay safe.”

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