A heart-breaking photo showing the colleagues of a midwife who died after testing positive for coronavirus has been shared online.
The image shows colleagues of Lynsay Coventry a midwife at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, who died on Thursday aged just 54.
The medical staff have their heads bowed in a sign of respect to Lynsay, while some appear to be wiping away a tear.
The photograph was shared by midwife Rachael Marchant who wrote: "This is what our maternity unit in Harlow looked like on Friday.
Advert
"My friends, work colleagues and work family all united in grief! We stand apart to minimise spread but stand together in mourning the loss of our midwife. Part of us has been lost but we still go on with our work for you all.
"If this doesn't stop you from going out this weekend then we shouldn't be friends. I beg you, stay home! I would give anything to stay home with my three children and stay away from this deadly virus, but I can't.
"I hope you sleep well my beautiful friend. Until we meet again."
It has since been flooded with messages of condolence and support from thousands of people.
Advert
Announcing the tragic news of Lynsay's death, Lance McCarthy, chief executive of the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), said: "It is with great sadness that I confirm the death of Lynsay Coventry, 54, a long-standing member of our maternity team who will be remembered for her professionalism and commitment to the women she supported.
"Lynsay has been a midwife at PAHT for 10 years and her loss will be felt by the maternity team and colleagues from across the organisation.
"Lynsay had tested positive for Covid-19 and died on Thursday (April 2). She followed national guidance and self-isolated at home when she developed symptoms and was not at work in the time before her death.
"Our thoughts are with Lynsay's family and friends at this sad time."
Advert
Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, chief midwifery officer for England, said: "I was deeply moved and saddened to hear about the death of Lynsay Coventry.
"Lynsay was clearly a highly-regarded midwife whose dedication to women, babies and their families will be remembered and cherished by her own family and her colleagues - my deepest thoughts are with them, her children, grandchildren, parents and siblings.
"The outpouring of support for NHS staff as we respond to this outbreak has been extraordinary, but the best way for people to do their bit for midwives, nurses, doctors and other NHS staff is to help protect us by following the Government's advice to stay at home and save lives."
It's okay to not panic. LADbible and UNILAD's aim with our Coronavirus campaign, Cutting Through, is to provide our community with facts and stories from the people who are either qualified to comment or have experienced first-hand the situation we're facing. For more information from the World Health Organisation on Coronavirus, click here.
Topics: uk news, Coronavirus, NHS