This site is intended for health professionals only


East London GP becomes fifth to die with Covid-19

East London GP Dr Yusuf Patel sadly died with Covid-19 yesterday, becoming the fifth GP to pass away from the virus in the UK.

Dr Patel, 61, who was a GP partner and founder of the Woodgrange NHS Medical Practice in Forest Gate, died at Queen’s Hospital, Romford.

His practice described the ‘immeasurable pain’ of losing their colleague.

Its statement 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.’

Dr Muhammad Waqqas Naqvi, chair of NHS Newham CCG and Dr Patel’s practice colleague, added: ‘Yusuf was a very special GP, person and leader’.

Dr Osman Bhatti, a fellow GP in East London, told Pulse: ‘He was an experienced GP who was involved not only with his local practice and his patients, but also for the local community around Newham.

‘Specifically, he was also a support of knowledge and judgement for many colleagues around him, and his loss will leave a big void in the practice and local community.’

Dr Patel graduated from Sheffield Medical School in 1984.

Demonstrating how his influence was not only observed within the realm of medicine, he was also remembered as a pillar of his community.

All five of the GPs who have died with Covid-19 were men of BAME origin. The Government is currently investigating why this demographic appears to be worst-affected by coronavirus.

The practice has asked that those wishing to send their condolences and best wishes email the their message to r.miah@nhs.net, with the subject heading Dr Yusuf Patel.