The “precious” chief of vital care at a Baltimore hospital died Saturday of COVID-19 after taking care of the facility’s “sickest patients” during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the facility.
Dr. Joseph Costa, 56– who a coworker likened to “an older bro that [staff] appreciated and revered”– was the intensive care unit chief at Mercy Medical Center. The medical facility, validating his death, published about him on Facebook Sunday.
” He devoted his life and profession to caring for the sickest patients,” Sister Helen Amos, head of the hospital’s board of trustees, and David Maine, president and CEO, stated in a joint statement. “When the worldwide pandemic came down upon us, Joe selflessly continued his work on the front lines– deeply committed to serving our patients and our City throughout this time of terrific requirement.”
In the declaration, Costa is described as “beloved by his patients and their family members.”
“[He was] understood for his warm and reassuring bedside manner as well as his direct and useful interaction style,” the declaration stated. “When he counseled our patients and families, he did so with excellent compassion and empathy.”
Dr, Neda