NHS doctor, 55, dies after testing positive for coronavirus

29 March 2020, 15:54

He died at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Picture: PA

By Kate Buck

An NHS doctor has died after testing positive for coronavirus, becoming the first frontline worker to die as Britain deals with the pandemic.

Consultant Amged El-Hawrani, 55, passed away last night at Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton have said.

Mr El-Hawrani had been on the frontline of the pandemic, and worked as an ear, nose and throat specialist.

His devastated family have issued a statement calling him their "rock".

A spokesperson 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.

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The UK is on lockdown as NHS staff try to deal with the pandemic. Picture: PA

“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.

"He was also a leader, who educated many doctors who have subsequently become ENT consultants. We are incredibly proud of the legacy he has left behind and all that he has achieved.

“We would like to thank all those involved in his care for their kindness and compassion during his illness. They worked tirelessly for their patient, as he would have done for his own.

“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.”

Mr El-Hawran's colleagues have also paid tribute to him.

Gavin Boyle, CEO at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB), said he was a "well liked" doctor who "was known for his dedication and commitment to his patients."

Mr Boyle 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.

“On behalf of everyone here at UHDB, including our patients and the communities we serve, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family.

“We would also like to thank our colleagues at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust for their professionalism and the compassionate care they have shown for Amged and his family.”