Radiographer and nursing assistant become latest NHS workers to die from coronavirus as death toll rises to 80
A RADIOGRAPHER and nursing assistant have become the latest NHS staff to die from the coronavirus.
Simon Guest, described as a “true gentleman” and Ruben Munoz, who a colleague called a star, are among the 80 health workers to have died of Covid-19.
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Nicky Guest said her husband, who worked at Furness General Hospital in Barrow, Cumbria was a “great role model”.
She said the whole family was "overwhelmed with grief at the loss of our beloved Simon to Covid-19" last Wednesday.
Mrs Guest said her husband, who also trained other radiographers "worked tirelessly on the front line always helping others".
"Simon was special, a true gentleman and a great role model to all," she told
"He was a gentle soul and so very caring with both his patients and NHS colleagues.
"Simon had a fantastic sense of humour. His work ethic and personality were like sunshine and light even in the darkest of times."
Mr Munoz died on Friday and his family described him as a "beloved husband and amazing father" who was “so proud of his NHS and Woodland Ward family".
The dad-of -two's friend and colleague, Stephanie Padrilla-Madriaga, said it was "devastating" to hear the news of his passing.
"I thought it was a dream. I still cry processing what happened,” she said.
"It gets surreal when someone you personally know loses their life because of this pandemic.
"Ruben, who has served the NHS for a decade, was a gem to the ward and a star to our patients.
"When he's on shift it will always be a pizza day which most of the staff look forward to at the end of a 12.5 hour shift.
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"He brightens up the room when he is around. Patients remember him mostly because he was funny and witty.
"The Woodland ward in East Surrey Hospital will never be the same without his presence."
Michael Wilson, chief executive of SASH, said the death of Mr Munoz had caused "deep sadness" among his colleagues.
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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.”
Mr Munoz's friends have set up a for his family.
Join our George Cross campaign for NHS staff
SUN readers are today urged to sign a petition calling for our NHS staff to be awarded the George Cross.
Yesterday, we backed a proposal by Lord Ashcroft to honour our health heroes with the gallantry gong given for acts of bravery that did not take place in battle.
A No10 spokesman said: “The NHS is doing a fantastic job and the nation will want to find a way to say thank you when we have defeated this virus.”
SAS hero Andy McNab added: “The award of a George Cross would show an emotional appreciation.”
We are asking readers to sign the petition online at mcb777.site/georgecrossfornhs.