Tributes paid to “exceptional theatre nurse” as friends launch fundraiser page to help family

Staff from Wrexham Maelor Hospital have paid tribute to their much-loved friend and colleague, Wilbert Llobrera.

Staff Nurse, Wilbert, 46, who sadly passed away last week, had worked at Wrexham Maelor Hospital for almost nine years and was very well-loved by his colleagues.

Over the last few years, he had worked as a Theatre Scrub Nurse. Prior to this, Wilbert had worked on Erddig Ward within the hospital.

He had a keen interest in Urological surgery and played a key role in ensuring these operations continued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consultant Urological Surgeon, Professor Iqbal Shergill, said: “On behalf of all at The Alan de Bolla Wrexham Urology Unit, we were very deeply shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news.

“Wil was an exceptional theatre nurse, proactive for urology, very well-liked by all the team, and had excellent communication skills.

“We had a great future ahead of us, and his loss will be a loss to Urology patients in Wrexham long term.

“During the current COVID-19 crisis, he was instrumental in helping us keep urological operative services up and running, and was scheduled to embrace the introduction of new technology treatment for prostate cancer in the Maelor shortly.

“We will all celebrate his love for urology operating and forever remember our little ‘Bro’!

“God bless Wil and god bless his family.”

His friends and colleagues have been left devastated by his passing, with many contributing to a GoFundMe page that has been set up to raise funds towards the family.

Dave Bevan, Theatres Manager at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “Wilbert was a much loved colleague and friend to all that knew him. He was kind, thoughtful, caring, hardworking and a gentleman.

“He will be sadly missed by all his theatre family. The team wish to send sincere condolences to Wilbert’s family and friends.

“RIP Wilbert – our friend and colleague.”

Gareth Robinson, Acute Site Director for Wrexham Maelor Hospital, added: “On behalf of all the staff at the hospital, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Wilbert’s family.

“Wilbert was a valued member of the team and was highly regarded amongst his colleagues.

“We are deeply saddened at the passing of a much loved member of staff.”

In a joint statement, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board’s Acting Chief Executive Gill Harris and Chairman Mark Polin, said:

“Our thoughts are with Wilbert’s family, friends and colleagues at this terribly sad time.

“Wilbert was a truly valued member of our team, all his colleagues describe him as thoughtful and hardworking, with a permanent smile.

“This is also a difficult time for our staff and we are making sure they have all the support they need.”

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Wilbert please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-wilbert-catalanllobrera