LINE OF DUTY

The Daily Express pays tribute to a dedicated doctor and ambulance staff member who lost their lives to Covid-19 while bravely doing their work helping others

DR POORNIMA NAIR GP Died May 12, aged 56

DR Poornima Nair dedicated 26 years of her life to the NHS and was well-known in County Durham where she lived and worked.

She spent 15 years at Station View Medical Centre in Bishop Auckland and was based in obstetrics and gynaecology before that.

Born in New Delhi, India, Dr Nair graduated from the University College of Medical Sciences before moving to the UK.

Her husband, Shlok Balupuri, is a senior surgeon at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Her son Varun Nair Balupuri said of his mother: “She had an unwavering passion and love for her family, friends and every professional endeavour she took in life and her ambition and vitality inspired all around her.”

Dr Nair is believed to be the first female GP to die of Covid-19 and is survived by her husband and son.

PAUL NUTT Ambulance care assistant Died May 15, aged 60

FATHER-OF-TWO Paul Nutt celebrated his 60th birthday in New York with his family at the start of this year before falling ill with Covid-19.

The dedicated NHS employee worked for South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Berkshire, and was previously a hospital liaison officer for the service.

Bob Sutcliffe, vehicle and equipment manager at SCAS, and a friend of Mr Nutt’s for many years, said: “Paul will be remembered for being meticulous about carrying out his duties by the book and he was dedicated to giving the very best care and service to the patients he looked after.”

In a statement, Mr Nutt’s family said: “Paul was the most loving and devoted husband and father and he touched so many people’s lives with his joy and kindness.”

He is survived by his wife, Kim, and two daughters, Charlotte and Louise.