PPE calls intensify as more NHS staff die fighting coronavirus
Demands to get protective equipment to NHS staff have intensified after the deaths of several more frontline workers in the coronavirus pandemic.
A healthcare worker in Cardiff, a plaster technician in Doncaster and two porters at a hospital in Oxford were among the latest victims to be identified.
Donna Campbell, who worked at the Velindre Cancer Centre in the Welsh capital, was described by "heartbroken" colleagues as a "beautiful, kind-hearted friend".
Two porters, named locally as Oscar King Jr and Elbert Rico, were described as "popular and hard-working" members of the team at the city's John Radcliffe hospital.
Both men were married to members of the nursing team at the hospital, the trust said.
Doncaster Royal Infirmary confirmed the death of plaster technician Kevin Smith.
Richard Parker, chief executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: "I am utterly heartbroken to share the news that Kevin Smith, a well-respected and hugely popular member of our team, has sadly passed away following a brief, but courageous, battle with Covid-19.
Kevin Smith, a beloved Plaster Technician at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, has sadly passed away at the hospital, following treatment for Covid-19. As a Trust, we are heartbroken. https://t.co/eEsVcG5Zsx
— DBTH Trust (@DBH_NHSFT) April 12, 2020
"A plaster technician at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and a valued member of the team for over 35 years, Kev, as he was known to friends and colleagues, was renowned for his warm personality, diligence and compassion. I am incredibly thankful to colleagues who cared for Kevin, and for their tireless efforts during this time."
After the deaths of dozens of NHS workers, the Royal College of Nursing has said its members should refuse to treat patients as a "last resort" if they did not have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer backed the new advice and said ministers' ambitions on PPE supply "isn't being matched" by action.
I understand that the Government's trying to rise to the challenge, but we've seen a real issue about protective equipment with the Government saying one thing and the frontline saying another.
There must be proper, Parliamentary scrutiny of the decisions being made. #Ridgepic.twitter.com/meUAyP7KEC
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 12, 2020
Several nurses were among the other victims whose deaths were confirmed over the Easter weekend.
Among them was mother-of-four Sara Trollope, who worked at Hillingdon Hospital and was described as "an example to every one of us" for her kindness and hard work.
"Much-loved" Julie Omar, 52, was an experienced nurse who had been working at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital.
Gareth Roberts, an "extremely popular" man who had worked as a nurse since the 1980s, was also confirmed to have died after testing positive for the virus, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said.
It is with great sadness that we announce the sad passing of our nursing colleague Gareth Roberts to COVID 19. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/4eOeWbRlgD
— Cardiff & Vale UHB (@CV_UHB) April 11, 2020
Another victim, a nurse who had worked at St Charles Hospital, West London was named locally as Amor Gatinao.
Leilani Dayrit, a nurse at St Cross Hospital in Rugby, also died after contracting Covid-19.
Ms Dayrit was described as "ray of sunshine to those people who were fortunate to meet her".
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: "Staff across health, care and key local services are facing huge risks and pressures. These deaths will heighten anxiety and show why the Government must sort any problems with PPE supplies immediately."
