“On behalf of his family, it is with a heavy heart that I announce that our staff member Richzeal Albufera died on June 9 at Hull Royal Infirmary.

“Richzeal was a Biomedical Scientist at Castle Hill Hospital. He joined Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in April 2005.

“Tests confirmed the presence of COVID-19 and, despite the best efforts of our Critical Care team, we were unable to save Richzeal and he died of severe complications associated with this terrible disease.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Richzeal’s family, friends and all who loved him. We share their grief at the loss of such a wonderful life. Richzeal had already given so much to the NHS and had so much more to give.

“Staff who worked with Richzeal will lead our entire organisation in a minute’s silence on Monday and we are opening a Book of Condolence for those who worked with Richzeal throughout his career to share their thoughts and memories.

“It is not possible to say where he contracted the disease, given the nature of the virus, and speculation would only intensify the grief of his family.

“We ask the media to respect the privacy of Richzeal’s family and our staff who both worked with him and cared for him as we come to terms with the enormity of our loss.”