Devastated Family Mourns Malaysian Neonatologist's Death In The UK From COVID-19
Almost 20,000 people have died in the United Kingdom from the coronavirus.
By Sadho Ram — 25 Apr 2020, 12:59 PM
Dr Vishna Rasiah, a Malaysian who worked at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, died after contracting COVID-19
He was a Consultant Neonatologist and was clinical lead for the regional neonatal network, according to a statement released by the United Kingdom's public hospital on Friday, 24 April.
Dr Vishna was a much-loved colleague, Birmingham's Women Hospital's statement said, describing him as "an amazing doctor" who was "passionate about the care of babies and their families".
A neonatologist specialises in caring for newborn babies, particularly those who are ill or born prematurely. It takes more than a decade of training with four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, a pediatric residency, and a neonatology fellowship to become a neonatologist.
The Trust's Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Marsh said that that "losing him in such a cruel and unfair way will be too much to bear for many"
Addressing him as Vish — as he was known to all his friends — Sarah-Jane said that the Malaysian was "an amazing doctor, leader, colleague, and friend passionate about the care of babies and their families."
"Losing him in such a cruel and unfair way will be too much to bear for many of us, in particular anyone involved in neonatal care, and of course his beautiful wife and daughter," she added.
"As our tears flow, we must always remember the values that Vish stood for and hold his vision, courage, and compassion in our hearts. God bless you Vish, and may you rest in peace."
His colleague, Dr Fiona Reynolds, said: "It's heart-breaking that we have lost someone as talented, dedicated, and respected as Vish" and that he "touched the lives of many families during his time".
His wife, Liza, said that he was a proud husband and father
We're devastated at losing our beloved Vish.
"He was such a loving husband and father to our beautiful daughter Katelyn, and much-loved son and brother to our family in Malaysia and Trinidad," Liza was quoted saying in the statement.
"His whole family meant the world to him, and he absolutely doted on Katelyn."
Liza said that Dr Vishna loved his work
"To him it was so much more than a job and his colleagues are part of our family too. He treated every patient and family he cared for as his own; I couldn't have been prouder of him," Liza said while asking the people to respect the family's wish for privacy at this difficult time.
