Healthcare assistant at Norfolk hospital dies from coronavirus

Tributes have been paid to a healthcare assistant at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in King's Lynn, who has died after testing positive for Covid-19.

Chrissie Emerson was described as a "much-loved wife to Michael and cherished mother and grandmother" in a joint statement released by Caroline Shaw and Professor Steve Barnett, the hospital's CEO and Chairman respectively.

They added: "Everyone at QEH is today coming to terms with the devastating news that one of our own healthcare assistants has died after testing positive for Covid-19.

"The whole family at QEH is deeply saddened at losing Chrissie Emerson who was such a valued colleague.

"We have been in touch with Chrissie’s family to extend our condolences on behalf of everyone at QEH and to offer appropriate support.

"We have informed our staff about this upsetting news and offered support to those who knew and worked closely with Chrissie.

"We have a range of support and counselling services available to our staff to support them during this incredibly difficult time during which we continue to focus on delivering safe care to our patients and maximising support for our staff who are working in conditions that are difficult and challenging for everyone."

Mrs Emerson's death follows two other NHS staff members announced in the Anglia region on Monday.

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed the death of Barry England, an operations manager.

Tributes were also paid to Joanna Klenczon, who worked at Northampton General Hospital, and has died at the age of 34.

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