Tributes paid to Derby Healthcare Assistant
We are very saddened to share the news that Norman Austria, a Healthcare Assistant at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, sadly passed away today (13 May 2020) after many weeks battling Covid-19 at Royal Derby Hospital.
Norman was from the Philippines and although new to the Trust was already becoming a highly thought of and valued member of the team on Ward 405. Norman brought an air of calm with him and quickly became a loved and respected member of the team. He will be remembered fondly by colleagues, often singing to patients who responded positively to his presence. Norman’s memory will live on in the song ‘You are my sunshine’, a favourite of Norman’s that he could often be heard singing to calm and reassure our most vulnerable patients. His colleagues knew him as a gentle soul and a dedicated professional.
Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton said: “Whilst we did not get to work with Norman for very long, he epitomised the Trust values and consistently demonstrated care and compassion towards his patients. Nothing was too much trouble, he was always happy to make time to chat with his patients.
“The team on Ward 405 were all blessed to know him and to call him a colleague and a friend. Norman’s energy and smile will be sadly missed by the whole ward and the wider team. He is a great loss to the ward, the speciality and the Trust and our thoughts are with Norman’s family at this sad time.”
Norman’s wife Sherley said: “Norman was a very lovable, caring and responsible person. We were married for 40 years and he was a wonderful husband. He was very proud of his family and loved his children and grandchildren very much.
“Everybody who met Norman loved him and he quickly formed friendships. He was very giving and would always be available to help anybody who needed it. He loved music and regularly played guitar. We will miss him so much.”
Gavin Boyle added: “With the loss of Amged, Manjeet, Eileen and sadly now Norman, this has clearly been an upsetting time for the UHDB family. The parts of the Midlands we serve and our communities have been particularly affected by Covid-19 and I am humbled by the dedication and courage of all my colleagues at UHDB who work tirelessly day in day out to serve our communities.
“We still have many difficult days ahead, but our staff continue to make a real difference and I can only thank them for everything they are doing in this most difficult of times.”