A popular nurse branded "big in heart and character" has become the latest NHS casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tributes have been paid to dad-of-three Patrick McManus, who was described as a "loyal and dedicated gentleman who always put others first".
The 60-year-old had been a nurse for four decades, spending the last 10 years at Stafford County Hospital, the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UNMH) NHS Trust said in a statement.
Friends say that despite having underlying health conditions, he refused to step back from the frontline.
In a touching Facebook tribute, the son of a former patient branded Mr McManus "a very warm hearted and fantastically committed nurse".
At least 43 NHS workers are known to have died after contracting coronavirus, but the current total is likely to be much higher.
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Tracy Bullock, UHNM chief executive, said: "Patrick McManus was an extremely well-liked and valued member of the nursing team at County Hospital, Stafford.
"He had been a nurse for more than 40 years and had worked at North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary prior to working in Stafford, where he had been for about 10 years.
"He was a loveable character and brought kindness and compassion to all his patients, which was acknowledged by the number of compliments and thank you messages he received.
"He was an exceptional leader and took staff ad students under his wing. His big Irish personality will be sorely missed by his friends at UHNM.
"Our deepest sympathies are with his family at this very sad time and we thank him for his many years of invaluable service to the Trust, to his colleagues and to the patients and families he served."
Pal Des Dalton wrote: "I was deeply saddened to hear this morning of the death of Pat McManus.
"'Big Pat' was a big man in every sense. Big in heart and courage. A loyal and dedicated gentleman who always put others first.
"As an NHS Nurse, despite his own underlying health issues, he put himself on the frontline in order to help others and to save lives."
Heartbroken friend Debbie Davis posted on Facebook: "Such a great man gone too soon, he was always there if you needed him will always have a place in my heart, thinking of his family at this time."
And Jonathan Vining wrote: "Paddy was amazing earlier this year when my Dad was poorly on the ward.
"A true gentlemen and although I only met him a few times was clearly a very warm hearted and fantastically committed nurse.
"Rest in peace Paddy and thank you for all of your amazing work."
In a statement on its website, the Republican Sinn Féin party said: “His dedication, courage, and selflessness was exemplified in his professionalism and dedication as an NHS nurse.
“Despite his own underlying health issues, Pat refused to remove himself from frontline duties such was his commitment to help others and to save life.”
