A doctor who lost a friend and fellow healthcare professional to coronavirus has called for the UK to recognise the contribution of migrant workers after the pandemic.
This comes after several Filipino NHS workers have died after contracting coronavirus, including Sister Leilani Dayrit.
Salah Hammouche is a former colleague of Ms Dayrit and suggested that NHS facilities could be named after professionals like her who lost their lives on the frontline of the outbreak.
Ms Dayrit, a nurse from St Cross Hospital in Rugby, died on April 7 and is one of several Filipino NHS workers to die after contracting Covid-19 over the last week.
NHS England has reported the death of 19 NHS staff members since the coronavirus epidemic.
There are 19,463 Filipino staff working for the NHS hospital and community health services, according to NHS Digital’s June 2019 report.
Ms Dayrit, a nurse from St Cross Hospital in Rugby, Warwickshire, died on April 7 and is one of the Filipino NHS workers to die after contracting coronavirus over the last week
‘She will be remembered as a very compassionate nurse, a hard-working nurse, as a mother… we will remember her as a friend,’ Mr Hammouche told PA news agency.
‘She was one of the best… she always went the extra mile to look after her patients and colleagues.’
A GoFundMe page set up for Ms Dayrit’s husband and daughter, which has raised over £11,000, described her as an ‘unsung hero’ who was dedicated to the NHS for 16 years.
Mr Hammouche, a trauma and orthopaedic registrar, who was born in Syria before moving to the UK 13 years ago, said he hopes the contribution of international healthcare workers will be highlighted.
Trauma and orthopaedic registrar Mr Hammouche has called for NHS facilities to be named after migrant workers who lost their lives working on the front lines
He said: ‘We all know that the environment and the tone in the country has sadly changed over the last few years, with Brexit and other stuff, towards migrants and migrant workers.
‘Lei was obviously not born in this country… when you look at the figures and the names of the people who sadly passed away… the majority of them were not.
‘I hope that the contribution of international medics, nurses, physiotherapists, and even us losing our lives and loved ones to save the patients of this country, hopefully, will help to build better harmony.
‘We all signed up to treat patients, to make them better… We did not sign up to die on the frontline, but we are all happy to risk our lives to make sure this country and the world can overcome this pandemic.
‘Once the pandemic has subsided I think it would be a good contribution to name wards or parts of NHS facilities after the names of these people who have passed away fighting the coronavirus.’
Ms Dayrit was described as a ‘very dedicated worker’ who was often referred to by children of her friends as ‘Mummy Lei’ or ‘second mother’.
Her former colleague Mr Salah Hammouche said: ‘She will be remembered as a very compassionate nurse, a hard-working nurse, as a mother… we will remember her as a friend’
She grew up with seven siblings in Vigan City, going on to become a community youth leader, student and even a beauty queen.
Ms Dayrit got her degree in nursing from the University of North Philippines before moving to the UK.
Mr Hammouche, who has also worked at the Royal London Hospital and Great Ormond Street, said generally the UK has been a ‘very loving’ and ‘very welcoming’ country since he arrived and he hopes that continues.
He also said he is thankful for the displays of support shown by the public and media towards healthcare workers, saying ‘it’s nice to feel appreciated and valued’.
Mr Hammouche warned that Covid-19 coronavirus is ‘no joke’, saying: ‘We know patients who will just develop mild symptoms in the morning and by the afternoon they will be on a ventilator and by the evening they pass away.’
A House of Commons report from last year found that at least 18,000 Filipinos work for the NHS. They form the third largest ethnic group in the Health Service, second only to British and Indian.
Mr Hammouche thanked his colleagues, and said he is ‘so honoured to be a member of these teams’.
Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said in a statement: ‘It is with great sadness that I can confirm that a member of staff at the Hospital of St Cross, Rugby has sadly passed away.
‘All our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues and we offer them our sincerest condolences.
‘The Trust is doing everything it can to support both the family and our staff during this very difficult and distressing time.’
Nurse Melujean Ballesteros, 60, has become the fourth Filipino NHS worker to die of coronavirus. She died at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, on Sunday
Another of the NHS frontline workers from the Philippines to fall victim to the virus was Melujean Ballesteros.
The 60-year-old died at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, on Sunday after being admitted on Friday.
She was the fourth Filipino worker to die after contracting coronavirus in the last week.
The mother-of-two fell ill with flu-like symptoms in mid-March, but only went to hospital after her family convinced her to two days before her death.
Philippine ambassador Antonio Lagdameo has paid tribute to Mrs Ballesteros, nurse Leilani Dayrit and hospital porters Oscar King Jr and Elbert Rico, who were all from the Philippines and have all died of the virus.
Mrs Ballesteros is survived by her husband Luis, 64, and their two sons Rainier, 37, and Bryan, 38.
Pictured: Mrs Ballesteros died at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London
Her younger son said: ‘My mum is a dedicated and very caring nurse. She started her career in the UK in 2003, she loved her work as a nurse.’
Rainier, who lives in Calauag in the Philippines, added that Mrs Ballesteros had a fever and cough in mid-March and self-isolated for nine days.
But on Friday he said she was picked up by an ambulance and taken to hospital after her family advised her to on account of her worsening condition.
A GoFundMe page was created by colleague Faz Ghooloo, lead nurse at St Mary’s Hospital, to help raise funds for funeral costs.
In a touching tribute, Ms Ghooloo wrote: ‘Melujean was a kind-hearted person who dedicated her life to her profession as a nurse.
‘She always had a smile and she never complained about anything.’
Tributes have also poured in for a Filipino nurse who died after contracting coronavirus, with colleagues saying they were ‘heartbroken’.
Leilani Medel, who worked as an agency nurse in south Wales, was described as a ‘wonderful and caring person’.
Leilani Medel died after contracting coronavirus and her husband Johnny Medel Jnr is in a critical condition after catching the virus
A fundraising appeal to help Mrs Medel’s family in the Philippines has also been launched, with donations reaching over £8,000.
Her husband Johnny Medel Jnr, 42, is in a critical condition after also contracting the virus.
Their daughter Carmina Angeline Medel, 13, also had coronavirus but it is understood she has been released from hospital.
Her 35-year-old aunt Shiela Ancheta, who lives in the Philippines, said: ‘We are very sad because we can’t go there to visit her family because of the travel ban.
‘Although she was my niece, she is six years older than me. She was like my older sister.’
Leilani and Johnny, of Coychurch, Bridgend, both worked in healthcare.
Shiela said: ‘Please continue to pray for my niece’s husband as he is also suffering from Covid-19 through this difficult time.
‘It doesn’t seem real that she is gone from us. She was full of life, and I know she did not want to leave her daughter Carmina motherless.
‘We just want her to know how much we will miss her, and how much her family is hurting.
‘We wish her peace and will always be remembered as a modern hero during this pandemic and her courage, selflessness, dedications and sacrifices in the battle against covid-19.’
Leilani’s brother Noel Osoteo, of Santiago City in the Phillipines, said: ‘It is very hard for us, especially for my father. She was the best sister I ever had.’
Her daughter Carmina Angeline Medel, 13, also had coronavirus but it is understood she has been released from hospital
Rhian Eccleshare, director of nursing at Cardiff-based Hoop Recruitment, said: ‘Leilani Medel was not only a nurse, she was a mother, a wife, and our friend.
‘Having known Leilani for several years, she never had a bad word to say about anyone and was so passionate about her work. Her smile was infectious and she had the kindest of souls.
‘We are completely heartbroken at learning the news of Leilani’s passing, and are devastated that this world has lost such a wonderful and caring person.
‘The nursing profession has lost a warm-natured and beautiful nurse who cared for so many vulnerable people during her nursing career. Her absence will be felt and missed.
‘We would like to offer our deepest sympathies to her family and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this tragic time.
‘Thank you for everything you gave us Leilani. May you rest in peace.’
Mrs Medel had worked as an agency nurse at hospitals within the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Hospital Board area.
Helen Whyley, Director of the Royal College of Nursing Wales, said: ‘I am devastated to learn that another nurse has passed away.’
‘This is the third reported death of a nursing professional in Wales due to Covid-19. During this difficult time, I would like to express my condolences to all of their families, friends and colleagues.
Pictured far right is Elbert Rico, a hospital porter at the John Radcliffe Hospital who died after contracting coronavirus
‘Our nursing community has stepped up in extraordinary ways to deal with this health crisis from coming out of retirement to being redeployed to specialised clinical areas. Nurses have been at the forefront of the battle against Covid-19.
‘For those who have sadly passed away, we will always remember their sacrifice and dedication to caring for their patients.’
Two Filipino hospital porters have also died after contracting coronavirus.
Oscar King Jr and Elbert Rico both worked at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
They were both married to other nurses at the hospital, the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust said in a statement.
It read: ‘It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the deaths of two members of staff, both of whom were porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital and both married to members of our nursing teams.
‘Both men were popular and hard-working members of our fantastic team of porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
‘They will be sorely missed by their colleagues as well as family and friends in the wider community.’
Philippine ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, said in a statement: ‘Filipino health workers have served tirelessly and courageously at the frontlines of the war against this pandemic, and their contribution to the ongoing effort to save lives is nothing but immense.
‘The escalation of confirmed Covid-19 cases and Covid-19-related deaths point out the undeniable truth that this disease is an existential threat even to the most healthy and fit among us.’
Tributes have poured in for other health care workers who have died with Covid-19.
Experienced nurse Julie Omar, 52, died after treating patients, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said. She had been self-isolating at home after developing symptoms.
Sara Trollope, 51, was confirmed to have died by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. She had previously met Boris Johnson
Trust chief executive Matthew Hopkins said: ‘It is with great sorrow that I have to share with you the sad news that a much-loved member of our nursing team – Julie Omar – has died.’
Nurse Sara Trollope has died after testing positive for the virus at Watford General Hospital and nurse Gareth Roberts, who had more than 40 years experience, has died, Cardiff and Vale NHS Healthcare Trust said.
Mrs Trollope, 51, who has worked at Hillingdon Hospital, died at Watford General Hospital, the Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust said on Saturday.
Nurse Gareth Roberts, who came out of retirement to work for the NHS during the crisis, has also died
The mother-of-four had spent 33 years working for the NHS and has been praised for her empathy and support for older people with dementia.
Medical director Dr Paul Hopper said: ‘Sara had that unbeatable combination of kindness, selflessness and total determination to get things right for patients. She was an example to every one of us.’
Tracy Woods, who set up a fundraiser for Mrs Trollope’s family, said: ‘Sara cared very much about her patients and staff and completely loved her job.
‘Sadly it was the job that cost her life.’
Nurse Gareth Roberts, who had more than 40 years experience, was also confirmed to have died after testing positive for the virus, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said.
Experienced nurse Julie Omar, 52, has died, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said. She had been self-isolating after developing coronavirus-like symptoms
Mandy Siddorn, 61, who worked for a pharmacist in the north-west of England died after contracting coronavirus
He had come out of retirement to work for the NHS during the crisis.
Paying tribute to Mr Roberts, a nurse since the 1980s, colleagues at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: ‘Gareth was well known by everyone and was extremely popular, fun-filled and well-liked person, always greeting everyone with, ‘Hello Cariad’ when he saw them.
Pharmacy worker Mandy Siddorn, 61, from Birkenhead in Merseyside has also died, her employer Swettenham Chemists Ltd has said. They operate branches across Chester, Wirral and north Wales.
‘It is with much sadness that we acknowledge the loss of one of our Swettenham ‘family’, Mandy, who passed away as a result of contracting coronavirus,’ the business said.
Kevin Smith, who worked putting plaster casts on patients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, died after catching coronavirus. Colleagues paid tribute to him as an ‘incredible person’ who ‘loved his job’ and as a man who was ‘renowned for his warm personality’
Donna Campbell, 54, tested positive for coronavirus after being admitted into intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. She has been described as a bubbly personality
Kevin Smith, who died after a short battle with coronavirus, had worked putting plaster casts on patients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, South Yorkshire. He had been employed by the NHS for 35 years.
His heartbroken daughter Ellie Whitley wrote on social media: ‘It’s so overwhelming to see so many amazing comments for such an incredible person who loved his job and everyone he worked with for many years.
Donna Campbell, 54, worked as a nurse at the Velindre cancer hospital, Cardiff, where she was known for singing and dancing with patients.
She had been at the hospital for 20 years after getting her first position there as a volunteer, and was known among staff and patients for her bright and bubbly personality.
Ms Campbell was treated in intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, after she tested positive for the virus.
The Velindre University NHS Trust paid tribute to the nurse who will ‘always have a special place in our hearts’.
NHS heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice while treating coronavirus patients
Leilani Dayrit, 47, died of suspected coronavirus at St Cross Hospital in Rugby, Warwickshire. The Trust is yet to make a comment.
Elsie Sazuze, a care home nurse who worked for Wolverhampton-based agency Totallycare, died this week, the agency confirmed.
Healthcare Assistant Glen Corbin, 59, had worked at the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in Harlesden, north-west Lodon, for more than 25 years
Two porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford have died, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said on Saturday. The trust added that both men were married to nursing staff at the hospital.
Liz Glanister, a nurse at Aintree University Hospital, died on Friday April 3.
Areema Nasreen, 36, died on April 2 in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands – where she had worked as a nurse for 16 years.
Aimee O’Rourke, 39, died at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQMH) in Margate, Kent, where she worked as a nurse, on April 9.
Rebecca Mack, 29, died on Sunday after going into self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms.
Donald Suelto, who worked at Hammersmith Hospital in west London, died after going into self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms, a friend and fellow NHS nurse said.
The Mail on Sunday reported that 27-year-old nurse John Alagos – who treated coronavirus patients at Watford General Hospital – died after a shift on Friday April 3.
Nurse Alice Kit Tak Ong, 70, passed away on Tuesday, her daughter said.
Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex on Sunday April 5 announced the death of 54-year-old midwife Lynsay Coventry while Janice Graham, a 58-year-old healthcare support worker in Scotland, died on Monday.
Healthcare assistant Thomas Harvey, 57, a father-of-seven who worked at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford, east London, died at home on March 29.
Another healthcare assistant, Glen Corbin, 59, had worked at the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in Harlesden, north-west London, for more than 25 years.
Dr Habib Zaidi, 76, a GP in Leigh-on-Sea, died in intensive care at Southend Hospital, Essex, on March 25.
Amged El-Hawrani, an ear, nose and throat consultant with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), died at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester on March 28.
Dr Alfa Saadu, 68, who had returned to work from retirement, died on Monday at the Whittington Hospital in north London.
Transplant surgeon Adil El Tayar, 63, died at West Middlesex University Hospital in Isleworth, west London, on March 25.
Professor Sami Shousha, 79, who had worked at UK cancer research laboratories at London’s Hammersmith and Charing Cross hospitals since 1978, died on April 2.
Consultant geriatrician Anton Sebastianpillai, who had a long association with Kingston Hospital in south-west London, died on April 4.
Consultant urologist Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, who wrote a Facebook post asking Prime Minister Boris Johnson to urgently provide every NHS worker with PPE, died on Wednesday night.
Dr Edmond Adedeji, 62, who worked as a locum registrar in the emergency department of Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Wiltshire, died on April 8.
Jitendra Rathod, an associate specialist in cardio-thoracic surgery at the University Hospital of Wales, died on Monday morning.
GP Fayez Ayache, 76, died in Ipswich Hospital on April 8.
Another family doctor, Syed Haider, who worked in Dagenham east London, died in hospital on Monday after it is believed he developed coronavirus symptoms.
Patient discharge planner Barbara Moore, 54, died on Monday, the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said.