Whiston Hospital worker dies after positive Covid-19 test

Margaret Waine, who worked nights on the hospital's stroke rehabilitation ward, has passed away aged 64.

Her family, friends and colleagues are devastated.

Margaret was a loving mother to sons Michael and Gregory and daughter Elizabeth, and grandmother to Olivia and Mason.

She had worked at St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust since 1981, having previously worked at St Helens Providence Hospital.

She died at Whiston Hospital and had tested positive for coronavirus.

A tribute released by the hospital said she "loved her family, her German Shepherd dog Ella and going on caravan holidays. She was gentle, softly spoken and had a heart of gold".

Much-loved: Margaret Waine

In a statement Margaret’s family said: “Margaret was a devoted mother and grandmother. We cannot put into words how devastated we all are.

"She was so proud to work for the NHS and had extremely high standards always caring for her patients as if they were her own family, we will miss her so much.

"We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and offers of support at this dreadful time.”

Ann Marr, chief executive of St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Margaret was a much-loved member of staff, always kind and caring towards her patients and colleagues.

"She worked nights on the Stroke Rehabilitation Ward at Whiston Hospital and was known for tucking her patients in and wishing them a restful night.

"She will be greatly missed by everyone at the Trust. Our thoughts are with Margaret’s family and friends at this time and we offer them our sincere condolences.”

Margaret is the third St Helens and Knowsley NHS staff member to die after testing positive for coronavirus.

Sadeq Elhowsh, a long-serving orthopaedic surgeon with St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, died in April 2020.

He had tested positive for Covid-19.

Father-of-four Sadeq, 58,  from St Helens, dedicated more than 17 years to the trust during his NHS career.