‘Outstanding care from immigrants’

A GP from Tunbridge Wells who is recovering from Coronavirus says the contribution immigrants are making to the NHS during the pandemic deserves more recognition.

Dr Syed Intezar Hussain, a locum doctor in Maidstone, was diagnosed with Covid-19 after being admitted to the Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury at the start of April.

The 51-year-old said the staff who looked after him on Ward 21 gave him a second chance at life and wants more people to recognise their efforts.

Dr Hussain said: “I started having symptoms on March 24. I had headaches, extreme tiredness, aches and pains, and a high-raging temperature.

“Shortly after, my daughter started displaying the same symptoms and then, three days later, my wife and son became ill too.

“It wasn’t until I was admitted to hospital the diagnosis was confirmed.”

Dr Syed Hussain has revealed his battle with coronavirus which saw him admitted to the Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Soon after being taken to the intensive care unit (ICU), Dr Hussain received the news his wife was being treated in the room next door.

“When I was told my wife was also ICU with the same condition I was devastated. She’s still in hospital now but she’s sitting up and getting better.

“Almost half of the workforce who cared for me in hospital, and now my wife, were immigrants. The care they gave was outstanding, it can’t get better than that. The immigrants in the NHS are unrecognised and I want to express my gratitude.

“I too am an immigrant of Pakistani origins. We are part of the NHS, we are not separate.

“I am a highly qualified doctor and I could probably earn more in my country so it’s not the case that I’m here for the money.

“I want to tell people the contribution we are making during this pandemic needs to be recognised by the government, and by society. I also want to thank the whole team at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital.”