Tributes to ‘hard-working’ Ysbyty Glan Clwyd nurse who died after contracting COVID-19

Tributes have been paid to a “hard-working” nurse who worked at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd after he sadly died yesterday.

Rizal Manalo, known as Zaldy to his friends and colleagues, passed away on Sunday having been treated at the hospital’s critical care unit over the last few weeks after contracting COVID-19.

Zaldy, 51, had worked at Glan Clwyd Hospital and Abergele Hospital since August 2001, when he was recruited from the Phillippines to work in North Wales.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said he was well respected and loved by all his patients and colleagues on ward five.

His wife, Agnes, said: “Zaldy is a hard working person who loved his job dearly. He’s a good husband and a loving father to his children. He protected and cared for us.”

Karen Davies, Matron for Ward 5, said: “Zaldy would always greet you with a smile in the morning and always had a story to tell. He was a caring and compassionate member of the team, a true gentleman.

“A colleague and family friend said that Zaldy was known as their “kuya”, an old brother within the Filipino community.

“He loved to socialise and sing, especially taking part in karaoke. They also said how important his job was to him as he loved his work.

“He will be greatly missed by his wife Agnes and two children, Nicole 21 and Dylan 16.”

Rab McEwan, Managing Director at Glan Clwyd Hospital, said: “Zaldy was a popular and respected member of the nursing team on Ward 5 and we will miss him greatly.

“It’s always hard when someone who serves the NHS dies before their time. We are desolate, and send our deepest sympathies to Zaldy’s family, colleagues and friends.”

Alison Griffiths, Director of Nursing for Glan Clwyd Hospital, said: “Zaldy was an endearing person who was very well liked and respected by all his colleagues.

“He was passionate about nursing, dedicated to the profession, and always put his patients first.

“We offer our sincere condolences to his family at this time and hope that they are able to find comfort in the memories they have of him.

“He gave us many fond memories and it was an honour to work with him. He will be missed greatly, and forever in our hearts.”

In a joint statement, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board’s Chief Executive Simon Dean and Chairman Mark Polin, said: “We would like to express our sadness at this terrible loss and offer our deepest condolences to Zaldy’s family, his friends and his colleagues at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

“Zaldy will be sorely missed, and we are indebted to the care and service he provided the Health Board and its patients over the last 19 years.”