Coronavirus: Stafford Hospital nurse dies with Covid-19

Mr McManus (l), pictured with his three sons, had spent 40 years in nursing

A "kind and compassionate" nurse at a Staffordshire hospital has died after contracting coronavirus.

Patrick McManus, 60, had been a nurse for more than 40 years, including at North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary and then County Hospital in Stafford.

He was a popular and valued member of staff, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) said.

The trust said his "big, Irish personality will be sorely missed" by friends and colleagues.

Tracy Bullock, chief executive of UHNM, said: "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."

Patrick McManus was described as a "loveable character" by colleagues

Ms Bullock said her thoughts were with his family and paid tribute to his "many years of invaluable service".

Rob Irving from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said his colleagues were grieving the loss of Mr McManus, originally from Strabane in Northern Ireland.

"Pat was was a larger-than-life character... very loving, very warm, always there to support colleagues," he said.

"Well-loved, well-respected and huge supporter of his colleagues at work. He was a well-known member of the Royal College of Nursing, always in contact with us . He will be hugely, sadly missed."

The government is considering holding a minute's silence next week to pay tribute to NHS workers who have died after contracting coronavirus.

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