Coronavirus: first NHS frontline worker dies from virus

An consultant has become the first frontline NHS hospital worker to die after testing positive for coronavirus.
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Amged El-Hawrani, aged 55, died at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester on Saturday evening, the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) confirmed today (29 March).

Mr El-Hawrani worked as an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon and trainer at the Queen's Hospital Burton.

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Mr El-Hawrani’s son Ashraf said his father taught him “the significance of respect and equality.”

The first frontline NHS worker has died from coronavirus. (Photo by ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images)The first frontline NHS worker has died from coronavirus. (Photo by ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images)
The first frontline NHS worker has died from coronavirus. (Photo by ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images)

He said: “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."

A spokesperson for his 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. 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. We are incredibly proud of the legacy he has left behind and all that he has achieved.

“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.”

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Gavin Boyle, chief executive at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, added: “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.

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