'A tragic loss' - hospital trust leaders on the death of two JR staff who have died of coronavirus

In a statement on its website at the weekend the OUH said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the deaths of two members of staff, both of whom were porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital and both married to members of our nursing teams."

The trust said both men were popular and hard-working members of a 'fantastic team' of porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital. They will be sorely missed by colleagues as well as family and friends in the wider community, the statement said.

"Our thoughts are with their wives and families as well as their close colleagues. The families have asked that their privacy be respected at this very sad time.

"As colleagues we will be supporting both families as best we can through their loss and we know that they will also be supported by the wonderful Filipino Community here in Oxford in which both families play a significant part. We are also offering support to all their colleagues and reminding all staff about the services and advice that are available to them."

In a personal message to all staff Dr Bruno Holthof, Chief Executive Officer, and Sir Jonathan Montgomery, Chair of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This tragic loss of our two colleagues touches us all. We are a team and every single member of our team is precious. None of us can deliver our service to patients alone. We all need each other and we stand together in honouring the memories of our colleagues and together we share in the sadness of their families."