First Covid-19 death of frontline NHS hospital worker confirmed

A consultant has become the first frontline NHS hospital worker to die after testing positive for coronavirus, NHS England said.

Amged El-hawrani, aged 55, died at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester on Saturday, the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) said.

Mr El-hawrani worked as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon at the Queen’s Hospital Burton – playing a leading role in merging the Burton and Derby hospitals.

The PA news agency understands he had not been in contact with patients in recent weeks.

A statement made on behalf of Mr El-hawrani’s family said: “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.

“We know he made a difference to thousands of lives during his career. FAMILY

“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.”

Gavin Boyle, chief executive at UHDB, said: “I want to pay tribute to Mr Amged El-hawrani, who has sadly passed away.

“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.”