The NHS IT community have come together to help raise money for the family of Jason Da Costa who passed away.
Jason, 50, died on 29 May following a heart attack. A JustGiving page has been set up to raise money in his memory and “in tribute to all he did for staff and patients in our much loved NHS”.
Based in Blackpool, Jason had been working as the CIO for Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since February 2020 and prior to that was a director at Deloitte. He had also served as the CIO at Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from 2013 till 2018.
His former Warrington and Halton chief executive, Mel Pickup, tweeted in support of the fundraising page.
She said: “I lost much loved former colleague this weekend and the NHS lost a tireless Digital pioneer. He was one of the good ones.”
I lost much loved former colleague this weekend and the NHS lost a tireless Digital pioneer. He was one of the good ones. Help raise £5000 to In Memory of Jason DaCosta Please #donate on @justgiving and RT https://t.co/r1dkDD8NiR
— Mel Pickup (@Mel_Pickup) June 4, 2020
Jason leaves behind his wife, Samantha, along with six children.
A team of digital colleagues including Scott Andrew, healthcare industry director, Dell, Kate Warriner, chief digital and information officer at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Dave Smith, chief information officer at Bridgewater NHS Trust worked together to start the page to help Jason’s family who were left shocked by his sudden passing. The fundraising page has set a goal of £5,000.
Kate said: “It was great to be working with Jason in Liverpool, he was excited about the work he was going to there.
“We are all totally gutted that he is gone.”
An online book of condolence has also been set up so people can share their memories of Jason, who was also a keen musician.
The page says: “Jason passed away very suddenly and we are all shocked and deeply saddened at his loss. He was a kind and valued member of the NHS ‘Digital Family’ and will be very dearly missed by all that knew him.”
It adds: “Let’s jointly create a tribute to Jason for all he did for those that knew and loved him and his Digital Endeavours for the benefit of staff and patients in our much loved NHS.
“Sadly gone, but forever in our thoughts.”
18 June 2020 @ 13:56
Hi All Informatics friends, just wanted to ask for a last push for us all the try and reach the target on Jason’s just giving page to support his family. He will be missed and it is tragic to lose such a fab friend and CIO in his prime.
thank you in anticipation
Phillipa Winter, Kate Warriner and Dave Smith