^{Photograph: Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital}

Dr Vishna Rasiah, a consultant neonatologist in the Midlands, has died after contracting coronavirus whilst on the frontlines of the country’s National Health Service.

Dr Rasiah, who has family in Malaysia and in Trinidad, worked at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust and was the clinical lead in the region for neonatal work.

At least 13 NHS workers have now died in the midlands alone, with more than 100 reported deaths of health and care workers across the country.

“Vish was an amazing doctor, leader, colleague and friend passionate about the care of babies and their families,” said Sarah-Jane Marsh, Chief Executive of the trust where he worked. “Losing him in such a cruel and unfair way will be too much to bear for many of us, in particular anyone involved in neonatal care, and of course his beautiful wife and daughter.

“As our tears flow, we must always remember the values that Vish stood for, and hold his vision, courage and compassion in our hearts. God bless you Vish, and may you rest in peace.”

“It’s heart-breaking that we have lost someone as talented, dedicated and respected as Vish,” added Dr Fiona Reynolds, Medical Director. “His loss will not only be felt by his friends and colleagues at our hospital, but by many across the Midlands who worked alongside him for so long.

His wife Liza said that he was a “proud husband and father”.

“We’re devastated at losing our beloved Vish,” she added. “He was such a loving husband and father to our beautiful daughter Katelyn, and much loved son and brother to our family in Malaysia and Trinidad. His whole family meant the world to him, and he absolutely doted on Katelyn.”

“Vish loved his work; to him it was so much more than a job and his colleagues are part of our family too. He treated every patient and family he cared for as his own; I couldn’t have been prouder of him.”

“I would like to thank the staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital for the kindness, compassion and the care that they have provided to us over an incredibly difficult past few weeks.”