UHCW chief urges Rugbeians to clap to remember hero St Cross nurse Sister Leilani Dayrit this evening

Sister Leilani Dayrit, a clinical nurse sister at Rugby's St Cross, died of suspected Covid-19 on April 7 - she had given 16 years of service to the NHS.

Tributes came in from across the country, and a fundraiser (which can be found at bit.ly/3b6nrRx) has already raised more than £12,000 to support her family.

Speaking to the Advertiser this morning, CEO of University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Andy Hardy said he has been to St Cross in recent days and has seen staff working together to support each other following Sister Leilani's death.

He said: "St Cross has a special atmosphere, it's like one big family."

It has been reported in the national press that Dr Salah Hammouche, a former colleague of Sister Leilani, suggested that in the future NHS facilities could be named after NHS staff who die fighting the virus.

Mr Hardy said the trust has not had those discussions yet, but when the outbreak is over the trust will be thinking about what they can do to pay tribute to everyone affected.

He urged Rugbeians to keep Sister Leilani in their thoughts as they take part in the clap for carers this evening.

The trust is working to support Sister Leilani's family and her colleagues, he added.

Last week Mr Hardy said the strategy was for St Cross to take up some additional services to ease pressure on Coventry's UHCW, with the latter being used to treat Covid-19 patients.

Mr Hardy said this is still the case.

He said: "We've had some Covid-19 patients at St Cross, but our intention is to have all Covid-19 patients at UHCW, where we have the facilities to treat them should they need ventilation."

Mr Hardy thanked all in Coventry and Warwickshire who are following the social distancing rules.

He said: "We want to give our thanks to the overwhelming majority of people in Coventry and Warwickshire who are sticking to the rules.

"It's making a massive difference."

He also wished to give thanks to all NHS staff who continue to work hard to treat patients.

Reacting to national reports of some people not seeking treatment for urgent conditions because they are worried about catching Covid-19 or they don't want to put extra strain on the NHS, Mr Hardy said: "We are still there for you - if you feel you need urgent treatment, please come into hospital."