Ambulance service tribute to worker who died with coronavirus

A funeral for South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) staff member Pete Harrison was held in Eastbourne yesterday.

In a statement, a spokesman for the service said: "We pay our respects to Pete Harrison from our Fleet Team. who sadly passed away last month after becoming ill with coronavirus shortly before Christmas.

Secamb team member Pete Harrison passed away shortly before Christmas after contracting coronavirus

"Pete was a highly-valued and dedicated member of our Fleet Team, working as a Vehicle Commissioning and Decommissioning Assistant for three years.

"He will be sorely missed by his Secamb colleagues and friends. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."

Last month, the shocking number of healthcare workers to have died during the pandemic was revealed, including several care staff working at Sussex hospital trust sites.

These are their names:

Undated handout photo of nurse Wilbald Tesha who died after contracting Covid-19. The father-of-one came from a small village at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Simbwe, and spent 30 years working for the NHS..

– Wilbald Tesha, nurse

Mr Tesha spent 30 years working for the NHS in Eastbourne, Sussex.

He worked at Eastbourne District General Hospital and spent time in intensive care before his death in September.

The father of one came from a small village at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Shimbwe, and had been living and working in Eastbourne for the last three decades.

Friend and former colleague Jason O'Flaherty said: "Tesha was an extremely talented, caring and humble man, thinking only of others when he was dealing with the most challenging and critical situation in his own life."

Sussex and Surry Hospitals Trust has paid tribute to former paramedic Peter Hart, who died on May 12 after contracting coronavirus

– Peter Hart, ambulance paramedic

The “highly respected” ambulance paramedic and hospital emergency medic died on his 52nd birthday on May 12.

He worked in the emergency department at East Surrey Hospital for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust as well as doing shifts for the ambulance service.

During his time there, he would also volunteer at the site with his pet therapy dog, “bringing joy and companionship to those in care”.

His family shared an emotional statement following his passing.

• READ MORE: List shows the devastating impact of the coronavirus crisis on healthcare staff

It read: “Pete has touched so many people’s lives, spreading his joy and kindness wherever he went. (He was) an amazing husband and dad.

“Nothing will ever bring him back to us, though the overwhelming love and support from family, friends and the local community has given us such comfort.

“We are in awe of the tireless efforts of all NHS workers currently battling this evil virus.

“We would sincerely like to thank the incredible ICU team at East Surrey Hospital for their world-class, compassionate care.

“Our thoughts are also with his emergency department colleagues, whom he considered his second family.

“A huge hole has been left in our hearts. We love you, forever and always.”

Ruben Munoz dies after contracting coronavirus

– Ruben Munoz (centre, above), nursing assistant

Ruben Munoz, a father of two and nursing assistant at Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust )SASH) for a decade, died on April 17.

Michael Wilson, chief executive of SASH, said the death of Mr Munoz had caused "deep sadness" among his colleagues.

He said: "Ruben was a highly respected and talented nursing assistant who showed enormous dedication to caring for his patients every time he walked through our doors.

"He was also a much-loved friend to so many people across our hospital and our team are incredibly saddened by his passing.

"All of our thoughts are with Ruben's family and we have been in touch with them to express our profound sorrow and condolences."