Hospital Consultant, 55, Is First NHS Frontline Worker To Die After Testing Positive For Coronavirus

A 55-year-old hospital consultant has become the first frontline NHS worker to die after testing positive for coronavirus.

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Amged El-Hawrani was an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist at Queen's Hospital Burton but, before he became unwell, he had also been volunteering in A&E.

Dr El-Hawrani - who was described as being ‘extremely hard-working’ and deeply committed to his patients - died on Saturday evening at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, NHS England confirmed this afternoon.

His family paid tribute to him in an emotional statement, which described him as the 'rock of our family' who 'always put everyone before himself'.

Today the number of UK deaths from the virus jumped by 209 from 1,019 to 1,228.

The British Medical Association warned that Dr El-Hawrani's death would reverberate amongst NHS staff, who are becoming increasingly concerned over the lack of protective equipment.

Only last week the trade union claimed lives would be lost because the clothing and masks were being rationed by hospitals, with doctors forced to source their own.

Dr Rob Harwood, of the BMA, said: ‘Doctors fear that they may have to make hugely difficult choices about whether to continue to care for patients where adequate personal protection is insufficient or unavailable.’

Some doctors say the equipment is in such short supply that managers have taken to locking it away in cupboards.

One anonymous obstetrician who practises at a hospital in London, said: ‘There is some, but now we’re in a situation where people are having to hide them and store them for their own staff.’

This week the Government will publish the findings of a ‘rapid review’ into protective equipment, which will establish whether the guidelines on what staff should wear are actually safe.

Doctors claim the recommendations were watered down two weeks ago and they were told to wear ordinary face masks and treat the virus as if it were ordinary flu.

Although there is no evidence the equipment shortages were directly responsible for Dr El-Hawrani’s death, the timing will be unsettling for ministers.

The consultant was known for being ‘extremely hard-working’ and dedicated to his patients, and was well-liked by his colleagues across the board.

Outside work he took part in a trek across the Himalayas several years ago to raise money for the trust.

He was also closely involved in the merger of the Derby and Burton hospitals in 2018 and provided regular support for doctors outside of his own department.

The El-Hawrani family statement read: 'Amged was a loving and much-loved husband, son, father, brother, and friend.

'His greatest passions were his family and his profession, and he dedicated his life to both.

'He was the rock of our family, incredibly strong, compassionate, caring and giving.

'He always put everyone else before himself. We all turned to him when we needed support and he was always there for us. He had so many responsibilities and yet he never complained.

'Amged reached the very top of his profession and we know he made a difference to thousands of lives during his career.

'He viewed his role as a doctor as one of life's most noble pursuits. He was also a leader, who educated many doctors who have subsequently become ENT consultants.

'We are incredibly proud of the legacy he has left behind and all that he has achieved.

'We would like to thank all those involved in his care for their kindness and compassion during his illness. They worked tirelessly for their patient, as he would have done for his own.

'Losing Amged is devastating for our family. Life without him is impossible to imagine but together, we will do all we can to honour his memory and live how he would have wanted us to.'

Gavin Boyle, chief executive at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS trust, said: ‘The whole UHDB family are desperately saddened at losing Amged who was such a valued and much loved colleague.’

Dr El-Hawrani is understood to have fallen ill several weeks ago and had been on intensive care for some time.

Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, said: ‘I share the deep sadness about the death of Dr El-Hawrani that will be felt by the whole medical profession and wider NHS, and send condolences to his family on behalf of all of us.’

Dr El-Hawrani’s colleagues and patients last night paid tribute online describing him as ‘lovely’ and ‘professional’.

Colleague Sonia Maxim, a healthcare assistant, wrote on Facebook: ‘He was an amazing colleague and friend, he will be missed so, so much. My heart is broken.’

Yesterday it was revealed that a doctor who returned to the Health Service to help the fight against the virus had died.

Dr Adil El Tayar, an organ transplant surgeon, 63, died at West Middlesex University Hospital in Isleworth, west London on Wednesday.

The father-of-four volunteered at an A&E department in the West Midlands and returned home to London at the weekends.

Dr El-Hawrani is the first practicing hospital doctor to fall victim to the virus.

His son Ashraf added: 'Most of my Dad's time was dedicated towards his family, and the rest of that time was dedicated towards his profession. 'He taught me the significance of respect and equality.

'He also stressed the importance of not worrying about the things I cannot control, which he displayed to me right up until the end of his life.

'He did not seek the praise and approval of others, he was satisfied by viewing the positive effects of his actions and the wellbeing of his family.

'I am incredibly proud to say that for 18 years of my life, Amged El-Hawrani was my father.''

Gavin Boyle, chief executive at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB), said: 'Mr El-Hawrani, known to his colleagues as Amged, was an extremely hard working consultant and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) trainer who was well liked at the Trust and particularly at Queen's Hospital Burton where he worked.

'Amged played a leading role in the merger between the hospitals in Burton and Derby and helped bring the two clinical teams together.

'He was keen to support colleagues outside of ENT and was well known across a wide number of departments.

'He was known for his dedication and commitment to his patients. He had also raised funds for the hospitals, including climbing in the Himalayas with a group of friends some years ago.

'The whole UHDB family are desperately saddened at losing Amged who was such a valued and much loved colleague.

'On behalf of everyone here at UHDB, including our patients and the communities we serve, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family.

'We would also like to thank our colleagues at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust for their professionalism and the compassionate care they have shown for Amged and his family.'

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