Dr Malinda Dissanayanke — *Dr Malinda Dissanayake*

Staff pay tribute to A&E doctor, reports Olivia Devereux-Evans

Tributes have been paid to a “dedicated” doctor from North Middlesex University Hospital who tragically died from Covid-19.

Dr Malinda Dissanayake, 51, worked in the A&E department at the Edmonton hospital. After contracting coronavirus, he died on 16^thJanuary. A funeral featuring a horse-drawn carriage outside the hospital took place yesterday (Thursday).

Malinda’s colleagues have set up a JustGiving page to honour his memory and support his family. On the page they pay tribute to him, describing him as “a dedicated doctor who went above and beyond the call of duty”.

They add: “Malinda was a man who touched so many people as a doctor and simply as a person. His gentle manner and calm demeanour brought comfort to so many patients and colleagues. He will be remembered for his undying selfless attitude and his eternal optimism in the face of adversity.

“As his colleagues we watched him dedicate so much of his time and effort to treating and comforting patients during this pandemic. This made it even more painful to see this gentle soul admitted as a patient, and treated in the intensive care unit, in the very hospital where he worked.

“His light shone brightly wherever he worked, and his countless acts of kindness and compassion will never be forgotten. We were all blessed to have met Malinda and may his soul rest in peace forever.”

Maria Kane, chief executive of North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, said: “Dr Malinda Dissanayake was a well-loved and valued member of the team. He was a very caring doctor, who was known for his spiritual nature and the kindness and compassion he showed to his patients and colleagues.

“He will be greatly missed, and we extend our condolences to his family and many friends.”

A horse-drawn carriage carrying Dr Malinda Dissanayanke's coffin stops outside North Middlesex Hospital — *A horse-drawn carriage carrying Dr Malinda Dissanayake’s coffin stops outside North Middlesex Hospital (credit @gun_akar)*

More of Malinda’s colleagues paid tribute to him on Twitter. Pinar Akar Gun, a nurse at the A&E department, wrote: “Such a kind, humble and forever smiling man. Always so kind and caring. We are so heartbroken. We will miss you.”

Deputy chief executive officer Russell Nightingale also wrote: “We said goodbye to an amazing human today, a touching ceremony for Malinda who without doubt reached nirvana. We will never forget you. I hate Covid-19 even more after today.”

Make a donation to the fund set up in Malinda’s memory:
Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpmalinda

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