Nurse developed coronavirus symptoms after sitting with patient, inquest told

A nurse who died with coronavirus developed symptoms after sitting with a patient who later tested positive for the disease, an inquest heard.

Dominga David, 62, had been a nurse for “many years” and was working at University Hospital Llandough when she became unwell.

The coroner’s court for South Wales Central in Pontypridd heard Mrs David was sent home on March 31 as she had a temperature.

She was admitted to the University Hospital Llandough with a cough, fever and muscle pain on April 5 and died in the intensive care unit on May 26.

A post-mortem examination was not carried out but hospital consultants provided a provisional cause of death as ischemic bowel, Covid-19 and hypertension.

Coroner’s assistant Lauren Howitt told the short hearing: “Mrs David had been a nurse for many years and was working on ward West 5 of Llandough Hospital.

“She was usually fit and well. She was sent home on March 31 as she had a temperature.

“She had been sitting with a surgical patient who later tested positive for Covid-19.

“She developed further symptoms and was admitted to the University Hospital Llandough with a cough, fever and myalgia.”

A CT scan was carried out on May 25 and clinicians felt her condition was “unsurvivable”, the inquest heard.

Mrs David, who was born in the Philippines and lived in Penarth, died the following day.

Coroner Graeme Hughes said an inquest would take place as there was “reason to suspect that her death may be related to her employment”.

He adjourned the hearing until a full inquest, which was listed for June 16 2021 at 1pm.

The coroner offered his sympathies to Mrs David’s family and friends.

After her death, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said the “exceptionally hard worker” had died after testing positive for Covid-19.

A spokeswoman said Mrs David joined the health board in 2004 when she came to the UK from the Philippines to begin a nursing adaptation programme.

“She has been an integral part of ward life on West 5 in University Hospital Llandough since 2004 and will be remembered as an exceptionally hard worker and a respectful, kind and compassionate person when interacting with patients, families and colleagues alike,” she said.

“She was part of the ward family and was well-loved by everyone. She is survived by her son Renzie, to whom we send our deepest condolences.”

The health board’s website describes West 5 as a trauma and orthopaedics ward to care for patients through their recovery after planned procedures to improve their health and quality of life.