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Identical twins Emma and Katy Davis die within three days of each other
Emma and Katy Davis, 37, both had the same underlying health condition.
Two identical twin sisters have died within three days from coronavirus, their family has said.
On Tuesday, NHS children’s nurse Katy Davis, 38, died at Southampton General Hospital where she worked.
Her twin sister Emma, a former nurse, died earlier on Friday at the same hospital.
Their sister Zoe paid tribute to the twins, who lived together and had health conditions.
“There are no words to describe how special they were.”
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Katy worked as risk and patient safety lead in child health at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), while Emma was a nurse in the colorectal unit for nine years until 2013.
Paula Head, chief executive at UHS, said: “I want to pay tribute to Katy who sadly passed away on Tuesday.
“On behalf of everyone here… including our patients and the communities we serve, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family.”
The Royal College of Nursing said: “She’s been described as a dedicated and selfless nurse who had time for everyone sharing her skills and knowledge to ensure excellent patient care.”
Emma, he said, had worked as a nurse in surgery in the colorectal unit from 2004 until 2013.
The spokesman said: “She had the same underlying health condition as Katy and had been unwell prior to her admission when she tested positive for COVID-19.
“She sadly also passed away last night and it goes without saying just how devastating and tragic this is for the family and all who knew them.
“Emma has been described as an excellent nurse who was calm and cheerful and a good leader. She was well liked by all and was a valuable member of the team during her time with us.”
Hospital staff held a “Clap for Katy” outside the main entrance on Thursday evening, hours before Emma’s death.
A total of 50 British nursing staff have died during the pandemic.