Deeside mum dies after contracting coronavirus at Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Margaret Blaylock, from Connah's Quay, died on July 25 after contracting coronavirus at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

And her daughter Gail says her mother was "failed" by health chiefs after contracting the virus.

Mrs Blaylock, 83, suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - which can cause breathing difficulties - and had been shielding since the start of the pandemic.

However she developed a lung infection during lockdown and her family were told to take her to hospital, despite not wanting to go in fear of catching the virus.

Once at hospital, Mrs Blaylock was told she had developed pneumonia - and was treated for the infection over the next few days and was said to be coping well.

But then came the news the family had been dreading.

Gail said: "I got a phone call on July 15 saying they've got some good news and some bad news.

"They said the good news is she has passed all the tests and the bad news is she has been in contact with somebody who is positive for Covid."

Margaret Blaylock with great-granddaughter Emily, granddaughter Abigal and grandson George.

Mrs Blaylock was subsequently discharged from hospital.

She added: "I couldn't leave her there. Mum called me crying saying she really wanted to come home."

Gail fulfilled her mother's wish and brought her mother home, but after a few days her health rapidly deteriorated and the family called an ambulance on July 18.

The following day Gail, who was also now feeling unwell, received a call which confirmed that her mother had tested positive for coronavirus.

Gail took a test herself on July 22 which also came back as positive for the virus.

On July 25, Gail was informed that Margaret had sadly died - leaving her grieving for her beloved mum whilst also fighting the virus herself.

They had last spoken a couple of days earlier, on Gail's birthday - with her mother apologising for not being there to celebrate but promising to "make it up" to her daughter.

She said: "I can't believe that I will never speak to her again. She was my best friend."

Gail is furious that her mum, who had been shielding due to having an underlying health condition, was exposed to the virus - particularly as she was then discharged after contracting it.

Margaret Blaylock (centre) with two of the daughters Gail and Diane.

Gail added that the situation "should never have happened" and said she hoped no other family had to go through what she and hers had.

She's now calling on Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board to prevent the spread of the virus inside their hospitals - including Wrexham Maelor.

She added: "I feel that there is a case to answer.

"They failed to keep my mum safe and they also put my life at risk as well."

Margaret's death comes amid a spike in cases - with around 60 patients being treated for the virus there.

The health board said it offered condolences to the family.

Gill Harris, executive director for nursing and midwifery, said: "We offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mrs Blaylock during this difficult time."

"We are unable to comment on individual cases, but would urge the family to contact us directly to discuss their concerns."