Always in our thoughts

Remembering those members of #TeamLNWH who sadly passed away during the pandemic as a result of both Covid and non-Covid related conditions. We offer sincere condolences to their families and ask that their privacy be respected at what continues to be a difficult time.

Dr Erwin Spannagl

Erwin was an integral part of the surgical department of Northwick Park Hospital for more than 16 years. Erwin’s daughters said of their father: “He loved being a doctor and gave everything for his patients. For him, not offering help to those in need was never an option and he felt privileged to be able to heal people. “Apart from his medical knowledge and technical skills it was his emotional intelligence and empathy which made him a great doctor. We miss him deeply, his kindness, his compassion and his optimism and feel so blessed that he was our father.” Mr S. Tahir Hussain, Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon, paid this tribute to his friend and colleague: “I initially appointed Erwin in 2004 to work in general and vascular surgery and he was a key part of the regional vascular department for the last 7 years. “Erwin was loved by his colleagues and by his patients. Many patients called him professor, and he would go the extra mile to make sure that they had the best possible care. He spent a great deal of time talking to patients and, even when he was not working, would visit them on the wards or phone them at home. “He had recently won an academic prize at a venous meeting. He loved to teach medical students and nurses. Erwin was always willing to help others and his smile and humility were infectious. “Erwin was a popular and gifted surgeon who had a great deal of friends across many departments of the hospital. Some of us are still in shock that he is no longer with us and he will be missed. Personally, the loss of Erwin, my friend and colleague, is the most tragic event of this coronavirus pandemic.”

Erwin (left) with members of the vascular team

Elma Cavalida

Elma worked as a maternity assistant at Northwick Park Hospital, where she was a valued member of the day assessment unit team. She was known for her warmth, kindness and compassion, and for her true dedication to taking care of our future mums. Lisa Knight, Chief Nurse, paid this tribute: “Those who knew Elma describe how she welcomed everyone who came into the maternity unit with a smile. She would do everything in her power to help others and nothing was ever too much trouble. Elma was much loved by our mumsto-be and her colleagues alike, and she will be very greatly missed.”

Shashi Dhingra

Shashi Dhingra, health records assistant, started working at the Trust in 2005 and this year marked her fifteenth year in medical records. Shashi was a wellknown and well-loved member of the health records team. She had a bubbly, energetic personality, and she will be missed by the team and colleagues across the organisation.

Abdulkadir Mohamed

Abdulkadir Mohamed was one of our long serving security guards. Employed by Medirest, he worked at Ealing Hospital for 10 years. Dale Treharne, our Head of Security, paid him this tribute: “Abdul was a highly valued member of our security team who will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues. He was a familiar face to everyone at Ealing Hospital and will be remembered fondly for his dedication, professionalism and good grace.”

Patricia Pinnell

Tricia Pinnell, a nutrition nurse specialist, was a much loved and respected member of the St. Mark’s nutrition team.

Mr Omar Faiz, Clinical Director for St. Mark’s Hospital, paid her this tribute: “Tricia was an outstanding nurse, she was well-liked by patients and staff alike. Tricia was immensely kind and thoughtful, always had time for others and was always genuinely interested to know how everyone was. She would immediately take new team members under her wing, and we are still learning how much support she offered to our team. We have many fond memories of Tricia. She will not be forgotten. We have lost not only a dear colleague but a dear friend as well. May she rest in peace.”