Coronavirus: First NHS nurse from Northern Ireland dies after testing positive for COVID-19

Mr. Pat McManus worked as a nurse for the last 40 years and was working in north London at the time of his death.

The 60 year-old father-of-three died at Royal Stoke University Hospital on Sunday.

Tracy Bullock, chief executive at University Hospital North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust which runs County Hospital, said Mr McManus was "extremely well liked" and described him as a "lovable

"We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of staff has passed away due to COVID-19," she 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 lovable 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 and students under his wing."

Ms. Bullock added: "His big Irish personality will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues 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."

Mr. McManus, who was also an activist for Republican Sinn Fein, is believed to have had underlying health conditions.