Indian-origin NHS nurse dies of COVID-19 at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on April 30.
Married mother-of-three, Philomina Cherian, 63, was in the job for nearly four decades, and was due to retire in two years.
Mrs Cherian’s death has been announced after the department of health and social care (DHSC) said that another 621 Covid-associated deaths have been recorded.
Her family described her as a ‘great human being, a caring mother and wife’. Nursing was not just a profession but it was her passion, said husband Joseph Varkey.
“She was a popular and hugely valued member of our OUH nursing family who will be sorely missed by her colleagues as well as by her family and friends,” a statement from Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) said.
Sam Foster, chief nursing officer, said: “An incredibly caring friend and colleague who will be terrible missed by us all’.
“I wanted to express that at this very sad time our thoughts are with the family of Philomina, as well as with her friends and colleagues throughout the Trust”.
He added: “Many of you will have known her and worked closely with her and I ask you to remember how she wonderfully cared for her patients and her colleagues, acting as an exemplar nurse to all who met her. Philomina was cared for with the utmost love, care and attention.”
