One of Wales' leading surgeons has died after contracting Covid-19, health officials have confirmed.

Jitendra Rathod, a cardiac surgeon, was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, before being taken to intensive care.

However, despite the best efforts of his colleagues, Mr Rathod died on Monday morning.

The tragic news was confirmed by health officials on Monday evening.

A statement by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: "It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that Mr Jitendra Rathod, associate specialist in cardiothoracic surgery, has passed away.

"He died early this morning on our general intensive care unit after testing positive for Covid-19."

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a specialist who operates on the heart, lungs and other thoracic (chest) organs.

Mr Rathod - known to colleagues and friends as Jitu - worked in the department of cardio-throacic surgery since the mid 1990s. He later had a brief stint abroad before retuning to UHW in 2006.

The father-of-two was described as an "incredibly dedicated surgeon" who cared deeply for his patients and was highly regarded in the medical profession in Wales.

"He was well-liked and and greatly respected by one and all," the health board statement added.

"He was very compassionate and a wonderful human being. His commitment to the speciality was exemplary. He is survived by his wife and two sons."

The news comes on the day Public Health Wales announced 27 further deaths related to the virus - bringing the country's total to 193.