Cancer kills nurse ‘ after Covid delays’

A DEVOTED nurse died of colon cancer after claims her treatment was delayed by coronavirus.

Mum- of- two Anna Fernandez, 44, died peacefully at her home last month on the day after her youngest son’s seventh birthday.

A close friend claimed

Anna’s treatment was hit by delays, with biopsies not sent for examination and scans held up during the pandemic.

Anna, right, from Birmingham, was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 38 and had been in remission for five years, before it returned earlier this year.

Anna, originally from the Philippines, worked on the stroke and acute medical units at Birmingham Heartlands

Hospital from 2002 before moving to Solihull. She was said to be a “hardworking” nurse, devoted mum and a

“ray of sunshine”. She leaves behind her husband Paul and sons Gabriel, 13, and Andre, seven.

The friend, speaking with the consent of Anna’s family, claimed delays to some of Anna’s cancer treatment, during the Covid crisis, had “detrimental consequences” on her health.

Anna was being treated at both Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Heartlands.

In a heartfelt tribute, close friend Jennie Navarrette wrote: “Armed with a strong faith in God and surrounded by supportive family and friends, she braved the battle and had been in remission for five years. Sadly, it recurred early this year and she died on September 19 in the presence of her family and very close friends.” The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust said they could not comment specifically on the allegations. Friends are now trying to raise £ 5,000 to help with funeral expenses via gofundme. com/ f/ in- loving- memory- ofanna- fernandez.