Tributes paid as 'exceptional' Stafford nurse dies after catching coronavirus
A Stafford County Hospital nurse has died after testing positive to coronavirus.
Patrick McManus, who was aged 60 and had worked as a nurse for more than 40 years, died at Royal Stoke University Hospital on Sunday.
His colleagues have paid tribute to him as a "well-liked and valued" member of the nursing team at County Hospital.
Mr McManus was originally from Ireland and had worked in Stafford for about 10 years, previously working at North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary in Stoke.
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Tracy Bullock, chief executive at University Hospital North Midlands NHS Trust which runs County Hospital, said Mr McManus was a "loveable character who brought kindness and compassion to all his patients".
"We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of staff has passed away due to Covid-19," she wrote in a statement.
"Patrick McManus was an extremely well-liked and valued member of the nursing team at County Hospital, Stafford.
"He had been a nurse for more than 40 years and had worked at North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary prior to working in Stafford, where he had been for about 10 years.
"He was a loveable character and brought kindness and compassion to all his patients which was acknowledged by the number of compliments and thank you messages he received.
"He was an exceptional leader and took staff and students under his wing.
"His big Irish personality will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues at UHNM.
"Our deepest sympathies are with his family at this very sad time and we thank him for his many years of invaluable service to the trust, to his colleagues and to the patients and families he served."
Tributes have been pouring in from across Ireland and the UK for Mr McManus.
Des Dalton wrote on Facebook: "I was deeply saddened to hear this morning of the death of Pat McManus.
"'Big Pat' was a big man in every sense. Big in heart and courage. A loyal and dedicated gentleman who always put others first.
"As an NHS Nurse, despite his own underlying health issues, he put himself on the frontline in order to help others and to save lives.
"My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and comrades. Proud to have known him and to call him comrade.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
