A doctor at a Birmingham hospital – who cared for many sick and premature babies and their families – has sadly passed away after being treated for COVID-19. 

The family and colleagues Dr Vishna Rasiah – known to all his friends as Vish – have paid tribute to the highly respected and much loved Birmingham Women’s Hospital consultant.

Vish was a Consultant Neonatologist at the Edgbaston hospital and was highly-regarded across the Midlands as part of his role as Clinical Lead for the regional Neonatal network.

‘Amazing doctor, leader, colleague and friend’

Sarah-Jane Marsh, Chief Executive of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Vish 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.

“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.”

‘Vish touched the lives of many families’

Dr Fiona Reynolds, Medical Director, said: “It’s heart-breaking that we have lost someone as talented, dedicated and respected as Vish. His loss will not only be felt by his friends and colleagues at our hospital, but by many across the Midlands who worked alongside him for so long.

“Vish touched the lives of many families during his time as a neonatal consultant in Birmingham, and will be sadly missed.”

Family ‘devastated’

Vish was a proud husband and father. His wife Liza said: “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. His whole family meant the world to him, and he absolutely doted on Katelyn.”

‘His colleagues are part of our family too’

Liza went on to say how important Vish’s work was to him. She said: “Vish 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.

“I would like to thank the staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital for the kindness, compassion and the care that they have provided to us over an incredibly difficult past few weeks.”

In a statement, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said: “We would ask that you respect the family’s wish for privacy at this difficult time, as they start to come to terms with the loss of their beloved Vish.”

Our thoughts go out to all Vish’s beloved family, friends and colleagues. RIP.