Nurses at Salford Royal Hospital sing The Sound of Music to dying coronavirus patient

Nurses sang a dying coronavirus patient’s favourite song while she said her final goodbyes and took her last breath.

Brenda Evans, 69, died at Salford Royal Hospital on Thursday after testing positive for the deadly infection. 

As the nurses on her ward tried to prepare her for the end, they asked her what her favourite song was. 

Mrs Evans, who suffered from underlying health conditions, told them she loved The Sound of Music from the 1965 hit musical, so they played it for her and began to sing along.

Her sister Linda, who was allowed a short goodbye under exceptional circumstances, sung along too and she peacefully passed away. 

NHS hospitals across the country have banned visitors to help stem the spread of the virus.

Salford Royal are letting one visitor see coronavirus patients in some special circumstances.

Mrs Evan’s niece Lisa Matthews, from Manchester, paid tribute to the nurses on Facebook.

She wrote: ‘As the nurses were helping calm down Brenda’s breathing they asked my mum what was Brenda’s favourite song. Mum told them it was The Sound of Music’.

‘Then when mum began comforting her sister, the nurses began to play The Sound of Music for Brenda to help her in her final breaths.

‘As mum looked on, each of the nurses began to join in with the words and sang along to the song around Brenda’s bed, so mum joined in and sang along too.

‘She said it was so lovely of them and as the song played Brenda then settled and passed away peacefully.’

Mrs Evans’ family said she ‘was not strong enough’ to fight the virus after suffering a number of underlying health issues.

Mrs Matthews said she wrote the social media post ‘to share our story about the special NHS nurses from Salford Royal Hospital’. 

She added: ‘It’s the sadness and heartache that we couldn’t be there to be with our auntie in her last hours but not being able to hug and comfort our mum too is breaking our hearts.

‘But knowing she had the support from the nurses being there with her and knowing her sister was in the best care made it so special.

‘We thank all the NHS staff throughout the country but we say a very special thank you to the nurses on ward L6 at Salford Royal Hospital

‘You will be always remembered in our hearts for the special care you gave our auntie.’

Dr Pete Turkington, Chief Officer and Medical Director at Salford Royal, said the tales of care and compassion – even during these uncertain times – were outstanding.

He told Mail Online: ‘First I would like to offer my condolences to the patient’s family during what is an incredibly difficult time. I would also like to thank them for taking the time to share this wonderful feedback on social media to highlight the wonderful teams we have here at Salford Royal.

‘Even during such pressured and uncertain times, the compassion and professionalism shown by our staff makes me immensely proud.

‘We are experiencing unprecedented challenges in the NHS and our colleagues both in the hospital and working out in the community are working incredibly hard to keep our patients, service users and each other as safe as possible.

‘When supporting a patient and their loved ones during end of life care we only get one chance to get it right. Well done to the team on ward L6 for ensuring this patient and her family were given caring and compassionate support during what is such an upsetting time.’

Today Britain’s coronavirus death toll increased by 403 victims to 5,368, with 47,806 confirmed cases nationwide.