90-year-old coronavirus victim dies after she gave ventilator to younger patient

A brave 90-year-old woman has died after giving her ventilator to a younger patient.

Suzanne Hoylaerts died of coronavirus in a Belgian hospital, after suffering from respiratory issues and turning down a ventilator to save someone else.

According to local media she told doctors: “Save it for younger patients. I already had a good life.”

Ms Hoylaerts, who lived in Binkom, near Lubbeek, was initially hospitalised on March 20th due to a lack of appetite and shortness of breath.

After testing positive for COVID-19, she went into isolation and her condition sadly went downhill.

At this point, Ms Hoylaerts reportedly told medics: “I don’t want to use artificial respiration. Save it for younger patients. I already had a good life.”

Ms Hoylaerts died two days after her admission to hospital.

Her daughter Judith spoke to the Dutch newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, saying: “I can’t say goodbye to her, and I don’t even have a chance to attend her funeral.”

Such sad news, but what a brave woman!