Consultant becomes first frontline worker to die from Covid-19
A CONSULTANT from Derby has become the first front-line hospital worker to die as a result of Covid-19.
Amged El-hawrani, 55, an ear, nose and throat specialist, who worked at Queen’s Hospital, Burton, died on Saturday.
His family paid tribute last night to a “loving and much-loved husband, son, father, brother and friend”.
They added: “His greatest passions were his family and his profession, and he dedicated his life to both.”
Mr El-hawrani is the third medic to die of coronavirus in the UK, following the deaths of Dr Adil el Tayar, a Sudanese locum working shifts in an A&E in the Midlands, and an Essex-based GP, Dr Habib Zaidi.
Their deaths highlight the dangers faced by those on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19, many of whom have moved to the UK from other countries to work in the NHS.
It mirrors the sacrifice made by doctors and nurses in Italy, Europe’s worst affected country, where more than 40 health workers have died since the start of the outbreak.
“Medics have also died as a result of the pandemic in China, including the doctor who first raised the alarm about the outbreak.
Mr El- Hawrani had not seen any patients for a number of weeks and had been receiving treatment in intensive care. NHS England could not confirm whether the consultant had suffered from any underlying health conditions.
The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) confirmed he had tested positive for coronavirus.
Mr El-hawrani’s son, Ashraf, also paid tribute to his father.
He said: “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.”
Mr El-hawrani’s death was one of 209 fatalities from the virus announced in the UK in the last 24 hours, bringing the number of deaths in the UK to 1,228.
Prof Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, said: “I share the deep sadness about the death of Mr El-hawrani that will be felt by the whole medical profession and wider NHS.”
He added: “Covid-19 is a risk to everyone, but clinical NHS staff are at the front line in battling this disease.”