A heavily pregnant nurse who died with coronavirus after her daughter was born by C-section has been named. Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, 28,...
A heavily pregnant nurse who died with coronavirus after her daughter was born by C-section has been named.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, 28, died on Sunday after undergoing an emergency caesarean to deliver and save her baby daughter.
The little girl is understood to be alive but it is not yet clear if she has tested positive for the disease.
Colleagues at Luton and Dunstable Hospital said Mary, who had no underlying health conditions, was 'a fabulous nurse, and a great example of what we stand for'.
And the NHS Trust's chief executive, David Carter, said the survival of her baby daughter was a 'beacon of light at this very dark time'.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, 28, (pictured) died on Sunday after undergoing an emergency caesarean to deliver and save her baby daughter
An internal email to staff explained the decision to perform an emergency cesarean was taken after Mary's condition deteriorated.
Doctors initially thought she was showing signs of improving afterwards but her symptoms got worse again and she passed away on Sunday.
Her baby was initially cared for the the neo-natal intensive care unit at the hospital.
Both the little girl and Mary's husband, who is self-isolating, have been tested for Covid-19.
Channel 4 News confirmed Mary was working at the hospital until at least March 12 - but possibly some days after.
She had worked on Ward 12, which is now a coronavirus ward, but the hospital claims it did not have any Covid-19 patients at the time she worked there.
Mary had been working during her third trimester with questions now being asked if she should have been allowed to continue to work.
Luton and Dunstable Hospital has said it followed official guidance on pregnant staff.
Colleagues at Luton and Dunstable Hospital said Mary (pictured) was 'a fabulous nurse, and a great example of what we stand for'
The NHS Trust's chief executive, David Carter, said the survival of her baby daughter was a 'beacon of light at this very dark time'. Pictured: Luton and Dunstable Hospital
Questions over the circumstances of Mary's infection have now surfaced with sources at the hospital telling Channel 4 News that there have been regular shortages of gowns and widespread rationing of masks, including at the time Mary was working there.
But the hospital has said it has not experienced any significant shortages.
In a statement about Mary's death, NHS Trust's chief executive, David Carter, said: 'It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of one of our nurses, Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who passed away on Sunday (12th April).
'Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this Trust.
'She tested positive for Covid-19 after being tested on 5th of April and was admitted to the hospital on the 7th April.
'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary's family and friends at this sad time.
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'
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Mary's immediate family, raising over £54,000 at the time of writing.
The description read: 'You will forever be in our hearts Mary. Your memories are still with us and we will cherish them forever until we meet again
'We will forever miss you.'
Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, said: 'Our thoughts are with Agyeiwaa Agyapong's family and Mary's newborn baby at this time.
'Pregnant women should not be working on the frontline. They are listed in the vulnerable category and must therefore be kept two metres away from others at all times or suspended on full pay.
'Unfortunately, we have heard numerous stories from managers who are putting pressure on pregnant women to continue working on the frontline and other unsafe environments and this is wrong.
'This tragedy has happened because there has not been clear guidance from the start.
'The Government has listed pregnant women as vulnerable since the 16th March, however the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists makes a distinction between pregnant women at 28 weeks' gestation or less, and those who are more than 28 weeks' gestation – which has caused huge confusion.
'There was previously no medical evidence that before 28 weeks gestation pregnant women would be disproportionately impacted by Covid19, however, as the disease is so new, there is also no evidence that a growing foetus will not be affected by a mother contracting the disease.
'The law is very clear, women of all gestations must not be working in environments where they will have close contact with others.
'If they cannot socially distance at work then they must be suspended on full pay...
'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.'
It comes as three other NHS workers also died bringing the death toll among staff to 45. 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
It comes as three other NHS workers also died bringing the death toll among staff to 45.
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
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.'
Steve McManus, chief executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'The passing of Peter has sent a wave of grief throughout the entire organisation.
'Tributes have been pouring in from staff who have worked with Peter over the years and he will be sorely missed.
'On behalf of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, we extend our sincere condolences to Peter's family, friends and colleagues.'
The specialist's colleagues have also paid tribute to him, with one calling him 'a mentor, a father, and a friend'.
Dr Jonathan Mamo, who worked alongside Dr Tun in the hospital's neurorehabilitation unit, said: 'Peter was like a father to all of us in our department in Reading.
'Despite being a calm and soft-spoken individual he always knew what to say and when to say it.'
He said Dr Tun, who cared for patients with complex neurological conditions, was a 'great believer in the power of love' who 'loved to help people'.
Dr Mamo added: 'His desk is now empty and we all miss his extraordinary presence.
'To all of us on the neurorehabilitation unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital he wasn't just a colleague; he was a mentor, a father, and a friend.'
Dr Tun, who came to the UK from Burma in 1994, was promoted to associate specialist in 2004, and was a member and contributor to the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Professor Christine Collin, who worked alongside Dr Tun at the hospital for 12 years, called him an 'unfailingly kind, caring and gentle' man who was 'much loved and respected' by both patients and colleagues.
'Peter had the necessary compassion, respect and knowledge to help support the clinical needs of people with severe neurological disability, and had the useful attribute of always presenting a smiling face to the world,' she said.
'His family were his main joy in life, but he was also a talented artist, and could produce beautiful watercolours of his homeland.'
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
Steve McManus, chief executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'The passing of Peter has sent a wave of grief throughout the entire organisation.
'Tributes have been pouring in from staff who have worked with Peter over the years and he will be sorely missed.
'On behalf of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, we extend our sincere condolences to Peter's family, friends and colleagues.'
Colleagues of Mr Raymond at the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust have also paid tribute following his tragic death.
Dr Mehdi Veisi tweeted: 'RIP Ade. I remember your smile whenever I saw you in Barnet. The BEH family is at a loss and shock. You will always be in our mind.
'We will follow your path to protect lives, the way you did.'
While Chief Executive Jinjer Kandola tweeted: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm the loss of our colleague & friend Ade Raymond due to coronavirus.
'A much-valued member of the team who was studying for a nursing degree. Ade was a highly respected & much missed by all. RIP Ade.'
And another, Jade, writing on Twitter said: 'Deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Ade Raymond. Ade was in my cohort at the beginning of his journey to becoming a mental health nurse.
'My thoughts and sympathies are with all of his family, friends & colleagues. May he rest in Paradise.'
Another colleague said: 'This was a member of nursing staff who sadly passed away from Covid-19. It is specifically the nursing staff across our mental health services who are the real heroes during this crisis.
'When the public claps for the NHS, they clap for people like you.'
Tributes for Ms Williams have also poured in. Sharing a picture of Ms Williams to Facebook, the NHS trust said her contribution to patient care at the hospital was 'irreplaceable'.
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust (pictured) said: 'With greatest sadness, we can confirm the death of our much-loved colleague Cheryl Williams'
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust said: 'With greatest sadness, we can confirm the death of our much-loved colleague Cheryl Williams.
'As a ward housekeeper on one of our care of the elderly wards, Cheryl was a lynchpin of the care, comfort, and compassion that our patients and local people value so highly, and her personal contribution to patient care is irreplaceable.
'Her family, friends and colleagues at North Middlesex University Hospital will miss her more than words can describe.
'We would kindly ask for you to respect the family's privacy at this difficult time.'
NHS housekeepers are responsible for non-clinical services such as catering, cleaning, equipment and supplies as part of a ward team in a hospital department.
Their duties include talking to and reassuring patients, receiving visitors, keeping the ward clean and tidy and serving meals to those under their care.
Housekeepers also order supplies and undertake clerical and admin tasks.
In a tribute on Twitter, colleague Omodele Olowokere said the death of Ms Williams had 'left a vacuum' on the ward.
'It is with great sadness and heavy heart to share the news that our colleague Cheryl passed away last night,' she said.
'The entire Charles Coward team are devastated about the loss. You have left a vacuum for us.
'Our heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.'
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, 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.
Mother-of-one Linnette Cruz, 51, (pictured) was also confirmed to have died after being treated for coronavirus for a month
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.'
The health board said Mrs Cruz trained in the Philippines and came to Swansea 'a number of years ago.' She is survived by her husband, Jeonardy, son Jeonard, sister Rose and her parents.
Karl Bishop, dental director for Swansea Bay University Health Board said: 'Linnette's death is deeply upsetting to her family, friends and colleagues and all our thoughts are with them.
'She was a highly committed and caring dental nurse, respected by her colleagues, patients and the communities in which she worked.
'Any death to COVID-19 is a very sad event, and where it affects a healthcare professional it is particularly upsetting.
'The health board will provide all necessary support to the practice and staff during this difficult time.'
Friends have already raised more than £1,500 to pay for her funeral.
Friend Angeliza Tenorio said: 'Linnette was a loving wife, mother and friend. She was a dedicated dental nurse here in Swansea.
'Anyone that knows her knows her to be one of the most vibrant, caring and the kindest soul, she will always be remembered by her contagious giggles, brightest of minds and never ending kindness to one and all.'
The number of UK coronavirus cases currently stand at 98,476. The death toll on Wednesday reached 12,868.
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