Sad news from Oxford University Hospitals

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a much loved member of our nursing team.

Philomina Cherian, a Staff Nurse on the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) at the John Radcliffe Hospital, passed away last night (Thursday 30 April) at the JR due to COVID-19.

She was a popular and hugely valued member of our OUH nursing family who will be sorely missed by her colleagues as well as by her family and friends.

Philomina, who was originally from Kerala in India, had worked at OUH for many years in a number of clinical areas including West Wing Theatres.

Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer, says: "I wanted to express that at this very sad time our thoughts are with the family of Philomina, as well as with her friends and colleagues throughout the Trust.

"She was an incredibly caring friend and colleague who will be terribly missed by us all. Many of you will have known her and worked closely with her and I ask you to remember how she wonderfully cared for her patients and her colleagues, acting as an exemplar nurse to all who met her.

"Philomina was cared for with the utmost love, care and attention and we would like to thank all staff who were involved in her care."

Philomina's family have asked that their privacy be respected at this very sad time. As colleagues we will be supporting her family as best we can through their loss.

We are also offering support to Philomina's colleagues and those staff who cared for her, and reminding all staff about the services and advice that are available to them.

In a personal message to all staff, Dr Bruno Holthof (Chief Executive Officer) and Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery (Chair) said: “This tragic loss of a member of the OUH family affects us all. Everyone on our team is precious to us. We are very sorry to have to let you know such sad news today."