Tributes have been paid to an “incredible” top Birmingham nurse after his sudden death.

Philip Norman, who was executive chief nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital , died on Monday aged just 51.

Chief Executive Dame Julie Moore said staff were devastated by his passing and he “touched the hearts of everyone he met”.

Mr Norman, who joined University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust in October 2013, pioneered new initiatives to fight infection prevention and control.

Dame Julie told the Mail: “It was with the greatest sadness that we learned our Chief Nurse Philip Norman unexpectedly passed away yesterday.

“It is devastating news for us all, however, our first thoughts and sympathies are for his partner and his family.

Philip Norman, who died suddenly aged just 51.
Philip Norman, who died suddenly aged just 51.

“Philip was not only an incredible nurse but an incredible person who touched the hearts of all those he met – patients, relatives and colleagues alike.

"He will be sorely missed by us all.”

Mr Norman qualified as a nurse in 1988 and undertook a number of clinical roles including in A&E, high dependency care and surgery.

He moved to UHB in 2013 from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where he was acting chief nurse.

It was not known how he died.

A book of condolence has been left at the QE’s faith centre for anyone wanting to pay tribute.