Senior figure at Birmingham Children’s Hospital dies of coronavirus

A senior figure at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s hospitals has died of coronavirus.

Mark Piggott, responsible for leading capital projects and programmes for the NHS Foundation Trust and also a member of the senior team responsible for all facilities and estates services at the hospitals, lost his battle against Covid-19 at Sandwell Hospital.

Sarah-Jane Marsh, chief executive, said: “Whilst we did not get to work with Mark for very long, his impact across the organisation was immense, and we already considered him an important part of our BWC family.

“As our hearts break a little more, we think of his wife and family and hold in our thoughts everything that Mark stood for, in particular the role that a therapeutic environment can play in the outcomes of women, children, young people and families.

“Mark thank-you for everything you did in your short time with us, and we promise to stay true to your values, and fight even harder for the new facilities we dreamed of together.
“May you rest in peace and may God bless you and your loved ones always.”

Graham Seager, director of estates and the built environment, said: “Mark had only been with us for a short time but had already made a massive impact. His passion and pride for developing buildings that truly enhance the experience of patients, visitors and staff was remarkable.

“Mark will leave a big hole, not only for his friends and colleagues at the Trust and in Vital Services, but also in the wider NHS estates family across Birmingham, where he has been well-respected for many years.

“Mark was an all-round great guy, you couldn’t ask for a better colleague, and he will be missed by us all.”

Piggott was a devoted husband and father to his two sons. His wife Julie said: “Mark was a great family man, a loving husband and fantastic dad to our sons Daniel and Alex. We’re devastated to have to say good-bye to him.

“We would like to pay tribute to the staff at Sandwell General Hospital, who have cared for Mark and supported us as a family with compassion and kindness over the past few weeks.

“We’d ask that you respect our wish for privacy at this difficult time, as we start to come to terms with our terrible loss.”