Crystal Palace medic among three more health workers to die from coronavirus

A paramedic who worked on Crystal Palace's pitch-side medical team is among three more health workers to die with coronavirus that also include a dad from St Albans and a 'very special human being' from Doncaster.

Married father-of-two Ian Reynolds, 53, was a paramedic at New Addington, near Croydon for the last 32 years. He was active as ever until falling ill with Covid-19 last month.

Together with his son Jack, the Unison rep was part of Premier League side Crystal Palace's pitch side medical team.

He is the third London Ambulance Service worker to die in the last three weeks, while the number of NHS and care workers dying from coronavirus has reached more than 100.

Garrett Emmerson, chief executive of the London Ambulance Service speaking

on LBC on Wednesday said: 'This is obviously heartbreaking news and we have had very little time to get used to it because up until yesterday afternoon we were hoping for a better outcome.

'We are all just devastated. We are losing people we have known and loved and worked with for a number of years.'

A Unison statement said: 'Ian embodied all the values of the union - a wise, experience and popular man who had time for everybody and could relate to his colleagues, members and patients alike - regardless of their background or identity - with an ease that endeared him to everyone he came across.

'In addition to his tireless union and frontline work, Ian was the principle liaison between the LAS and all the Croydon care homes, using his easy charm and wit to build bridges, as he did everywhere he went.

'He was a passionate union man, a devoted Crystal Palace fan and an unapologetic mod. He loved his music, consuming live gigs like he did craft ales.

'Ian was the mate who always had time for a curry and a chat, who knew what you were going through and would be there for you with wise words and irreverent jokes in equal measure.

'They don't make them like Ian any more. He will be deeply missed by his union comrades, his Croydon ambulance family, his boys Jack and Ben (of whom he was immeasurably proud) and his wife Sian, who he loved with all his heart.'

Premier League side Crystal Palace FC issued a statement on Wednesday, which read: 'We are saddened to inform supporters of the news that Ian Reynolds, a much-loved colleague, friend, and a member of the CPFC family lost his battle against Coronavirus earlier this week.'

His colleague and friend, CPFC Medical Officer Dr Amir Pakravan said: 'He led the coordination of the pitch-side stretcher crew. He also helped with arranging medical cover for Academy games over the years.

'As a person, he was the best friend you could wish for, always smiling, calm and easy going, and an avid Palace fan.

'As a colleague, he was extremely professional, reliable, approachable, highly experienced and knowledgeable, and always ready to help. He was the complete package and an absolute joy to work with.

'Ian was 53 and is survived by his wife, and two sons.'

NHS worker Khalid Jamil died at Watford General Hospital, where he had worked to support his family, including his two children.

The 57-year-old from St Albans had worked for West Herts NHS Trust since March 2006, a GoFundMe page has raised nearly £5,000 to support his family.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Sadly, despite the excellent care given, Khalid Jamil died on Tuesday 14 April.

“Khalid joined the trust in March 2006 and colleagues who worked with him describe him as ‘a kind, gentle man who was unassuming and respectful to all his colleagues and helpful to others’.

“He was very fondly thought of and will be greatly missed.

Tributes have been made to a much loved, popular doctor who died after practising medicine across three continents throughout his career.

Dr Medhat Atalla, who worked at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, was described by Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust as a 'very special human being'.

In a statement the trust said: 'It is with immense sadness that we inform you that our colleague, Dr Medhat Atalla, has passed away following treatment for Covid-19 at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

'A hugely popular and respected colleague, Dr Atalla was a very special human being who practised medicine across three continents throughout his career, affecting the lives of so many in such a positive way.

'He was a truly gentle gentleman and he will be hugely missed by us all.”

Dr Atalla became a full-time member of the trust in 2014, when he was appointed as a Consultant Geriatrician on the Gresley Unit.

He arrived in the UK in the early 2000s and he cared for many elderly patients in hospitals throughout the North of England.

The statement continued: “We would also like to take a moment to thank colleagues who cared for Medhat during his illness, and who did all they could to care for and support him as he bravely battled Covid-19.

'As a trust, we share our deepest sympathies with Dr Atalla’s brother and sister, and loved ones in Egypt.'

Yesterday MailOnline reported on the deaths of a 'dedicated' paramedic, a GP who 'touched and enriched many lives' and a 'phenomenal' mental health counsellor who were among four of the latest NHS workers to die of coronavirus.

Paramedic Charlie Goodwin, 61, who had worked for First 4 Care for more than 20 years, was rushed to the intensive care unit at King's Mill Hospital, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, on April 8 after presenting with the symptoms of Covid-19.

However the father-of-three, who was described by his wife Julie as 'kind' and 'dedicated' and is among the NHS workers who have fought on the frontline to help battle the coronavirus crisis, passed away on April 20.

Dr Yusuf Patel, who was a GP partner and founder of the Woodgrange NHS Medical Practice in Forest Gate, East London, also died from Covid-19 on Tuesday.

The doctor, who graduated from Sheffield Medical School in 1984, was being treated at Whipps Cross Hospital.

Following his death a spokesperson for Woodgrange NHS Medical Practice in Forest Gate said: 'It is with a very heavy heart that we have to inform you of the sad loss of Dr Yusuf Ismail Patel, GP principal and founder of Woodgrange NHS Medical Practice.

'After a valiant struggle with Covid, Dr Patel finally succumbed to his illness on Monday 20 April.

'This is a tragic loss to all his family, friends, colleagues and patients. The pain is immeasurable. He has touched and enriched many lives and we miss him dearly.'

Yesterday healthcare workers paid tribute to NHS mental health counsellor Ann Shepherd, 80, from Leicester, who died earlier this week.

Described as a 'phenomenal character, full of colour and sparkle', Ms Shepherd,  had worked at the Moir Medical Centre in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, for 26 years.

Following the tragic announcement, Ifti Majid, chief executive of the  Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'Ann was a wonderful colleague, held in very high esteem by all she worked with. She was truly devoted to her work and her patients and was inspirational in her field.

'She was also a phenomenal character, full of colour and sparkle.'