Pandemic death nurse loved to care, says husband

Agency nurse Leilani Medel worked at several care homes across south Wales

The husband of a nurse who died during the Covid pandemic has told her inquest that she “loved to care for people”.

Johnny Medel paid tribute to his wife Leilani, 41, as her inquest opened.

She was working as a nurse at several care homes across south Wales when she contracted Covid.

Mr Medel told the hearing at Pontypridd coroner's court that she was a loved wife and mother to their daughter.

She was born in Santiago in the Philippines, and was the family’s main source of income.

Mr Medel said she loved her job.

“What I liked about Leilani, apart from her beauty, was her innocence and sincerity,” said Mr Medel.

“When she gave care to someone, it would be sincere.

“She worked mainly with the elderly and I could see how much she enjoyed her job.

“I was so proud of her and what she had achieved.”

He said they had a happy home life and were excited for the future.

Pontypridd Coroner's Court heard how Mrs Medel was concerned about working at Anwen Care Home outside Blackmill, Bridgend due to Covid there.

Her night shift at the care home was her first shift there in more than five years.

She had agreed to fill in for a colleague who was booked to do the nursing night shift at the home.

On the shift, Mrs Medel cared for two patients with coronavirus symptoms in close contact wearing PPE, but it was not required to treat two other ill residents with suspected chest infections.

One of those patients was then hospitalised where they tested positive for Covid-19 and later died.

Janet Caffrey, who was the clinical lead and is now manager at the care home, said it had come to her attention “after the fact” that Mrs Medel had complained about a resident coughing over her.

Because the resident had lung problems and regular chest infections, it was believed she didn’t have Covid and so was not cared for with PPE.

Testing was not available in care homes at this point and the resident was diagnosed by a GP over the phone.

“We were taking our advice from Public Health Wales, any government statements,” Ms Caffrey said.

Mrs Medel was admitted to Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend on 31 March 2020 with a high fever.

She was ventilated but her condition deteriorated and she died on 9 April.

“I can’t get over why it had to end, Leilani was our happiness,” said Mr Medel.

“I hope she will be remembered as a nurse who loved to care for people.”

The inquest continues.