Coronavirus has devastated the families of two nurses on the same ward at Swansea's Singleton Hospital.
David Courtney-Williams, a nurse, and Sharon Bamford, an auxiliary nurse, both worked on the haematology/oncology ward at Singleton Hospital and both tested positive for Covid-19.
Sharon passed away in intensive care on Tuesday, April 21, just days after her husband Malcolm Bamford died after he contracted the virus.
David needed to be intubated in intensive care at Morriston Hospital as doctors fought to save his life. He survived, only to find out that his partner of 28 years, Steven, had also died after a battle with the virus.
Sharon's son, Christian, was also in hospital with Covid-19 but thankfully has since been discharged. Sharon and Malcolm had recently become grandparents to Nahum.
In a tribute to Sharon, Jan Worthing, director of Singleton Hospital, said: “Sharon was highly thought of by all the patients who have used the services and loved by her colleagues and friends within the team.
“Sharon’s sad death will leave a massive void within the team and within the Singleton family.
“Our thoughts and condolences are obviously with their sons Craig and Chris at this devastating time, with the loss of both Sharon and Malcolm. We offer our most sincere condolences to Sharon’s family, friends and colleagues at this extremely sad time.”
The health board is now offering dedicated support to Sharon’s colleagues as they try to come to terms with her passing.
David Courtney-Williams has spoken of his own trauma at coming out of a coma to the news his parter of 28 years had died from the virus.
The 48-year-old charge nurse had been taken to Morriston hospital on Friday, March 27, due to difficulty breathing after testing positive for coronavirus. He was intubated in ITU and put into a coma to try and stabilise his condition.
When he came round two weeks later, he was given the news that his beloved partner Steven had died from the virus on April 3.
"Coming out of a coma to be told that Steven had passed away it was just unreal. I can't really believe it," said David.
"I've had to do everything again - my co-ordination had completely gone. To do all of this while grieving- well I just couldn't do both it was impossible.
"To have lost Steven has just been absolutely devastating. To hear that news having come out of a coma and to hear it over the phone. It is still unbelievable.
"The care and support I've had has just been incredible. To be on the other side and to be a patient - all of the staff in Morriston were unbeliavable.
Paying tribute to Steven, David said: "Steven was a gentle, caring person who we all loved deeply - he will be greatly missed."
