'Dedicated' Wrexham nurse dies after being treated for coronavirus in critical care

A nurse working at a hospital in Wrexham has died after being treated for coronavirus.

The health board confirmed Rizal Manalo, aged 51, who worked as a nurse at Glan Clwyd Hospital, died on Sunday after being treated in critical care.

Described as "an endearing person", who was "dedicated to the profession", Rizal, who was known as 'Zaldy' had worked at Glan Clwyd Hospital and Abergele Hospital since August 2001, when he was recruited from the Phillippines to work in North Wales. A spokesperson for the health board said he was "well respected and loved by all his patients and colleagues."

He is survived by his wife Agnes and two children, Nicole and Dylan.

His wife said: “Zaldy is a hard working person who loved his job dearly. He’s a good husband and a loving father to his children. He protected and cared for us.”

Karen Davies, Matron for Ward 5, said: “Zaldy would always greet you with a smile in the morning and always had a story to tell. He was a caring and compassionate member of the team, a true gentleman."

Rab McEwan, Managing Director at Glan Clwyd Hospital, said: “Zaldy was a popular and respected member of the nursing team on Ward 5 and we will miss him greatly.

“It’s always hard when someone who serves the NHS dies before their time. We are desolate, and send our deepest sympathies to Zaldy’s family, colleagues and friends.”

In a joint statement, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board’s Chief Executive Simon Dean and Chairman Mark Polin, said: “We would like to express our sadness at this terrible loss and offer our deepest condolences to Zaldy’s family, his friends and his colleagues at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

“Zaldy will be sorely missed, and we are indebted to the care and service he provided the Health Board and its patients over the last 19 years.”