Hospital bosses pay tribute to Wigan midwife who has died after coronavirus battle

Linda Clarke, a delivery suite co-ordinator at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, died of the killer bug yesterday.

The 66-year-old had worked in the maternity service for 30 years, with trust chiefs saying she had "brought many new lives into the borough."

In a statement, Silas Nicholls, chief executive at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We can sadly confirm that a member of our staff, Linda Clarke, tragically passed away on April 17. Linda was 66 and worked in our maternity service for 30 years, bringing many new lives into our borough and caring for expectant mums in our community.

"Linda had underlying health conditions and tested positive for COVID-19.

"She will be sadly missed by her colleagues and our thoughts and condolences are with her family, friends and loved ones. Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will continue to support them throughout this difficult time."

A union flag was also seen at half mast outside Wrightington Hospital following the death of Linda, who had also in the past worked as a community midwife.

Tributes have poured in for her on social media with midwives saying she was "one of a kind" and "always full of life".

Manchester midwife Lisa Horrocks wrote: "Sending much love and thoughts to everyone at Wigan from your Manchester midwifery family. So sad, please stay home everyone and stay safe.

"Today has been a sad day for the midwives at RAEI. We lost one of our colleagues to Covid and it has shaken the bones of our little maternity unit.

"She was one of a kind. Always full of life (and sass!). A character we will all never forget."

Bolton midwife Jo Gallagher wrote: "Thoughts with the Wigan midwives after the loss of a special lady."

Manchester midwife Sara Michelle added: "My thoughts go out to all the midwives at Wigan."

It comes as it was revealed that a second medical worker, who worked as a paramedic based at Wigan Ambulance Station for the North West Ambulance Service, has also died of the coronavirus.