Wilfred Mushamba worked at Watford General Hospital from 2019, helping patients through the pandemic before he died suddenly in his sleep in 2024.
The 45-year-old healthcare support worker had been preparing to start a nursing apprenticeship with support from his managers.
Wilfred Mushamba (Image: West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
Colleagues said: “He showed empathy, compassion and care to his patients. He embodied the true values of care, kindness, and teamwork.
“His dedication and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone who worked with him and on the many patients whose lives he touched.”
During a visit to meet Wilfred’s colleagues, his mother Esther Mandisodza was presented with a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) award to accept on his behalf. Esther, who had travelled down from Leicester, had been unaware the award would be presented and received a standing ovation.
Wilfred’s mum Esther Mandisodza with Louise Ashley (Image: West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
She said: “Wilfred always wanted to be a nurse, even when he was very little. I was so happy to accept Wilfred’s award, and I felt that he was there. I could feel him there, receiving it for himself.”
Wilfred’s mum Esther Mandisodza with Kelly McGovern and Louise Ashley (Image: West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
Fellow West Herts Teaching Hospitals Trust healthcare support workers Delia-Corina Daniliuc and Noel Gastardo also received CNO awards. Chief nurse Kelly McGovern received a Gold CNO award, the highest national honour given to nurses, midwives, and care workers in England.
Wilfred Mushamba (Image: West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)