Healthcare Assistant dies at Royal Bolton Hospital after getting coronavirus

A "diligent and compassionate" healthcare assistant has died from coronavirus, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has said.

Lourdes Campbell, who worked for the Trust, died on the critical care unit at Royal Bolton Hospital after contracting the virus.

In a statement published on Thursday, chief executive of the trust Fiona Noden said: "It is with deep regret and huge sadness that I share with you the devastating news that we have lost a friend and colleague to the terrible Covid-19 virus.

"Lourdes Campbell, a healthcare assistant, died a short time ago on our critical care unit.

"Lourdes, known as Des to her colleagues, has worked with us for nearly 13 years.

"She was a well-liked and valued member of the team, known for working extremely hard.

"She was dedicated to patient care and her colleagues respected her quiet, diligent and compassionate approach.

"This is a terrible and poignant reminder of the situation we are facing every day to help others and I want to thank every member of our staff for their continued care for our patients and community.

"Their continued courage and commitment to duty is inspirational and a comfort to us all in these difficult times."

Lourdes' colleagues paid tribute to her at 8pm on Thursday.