A GP in training, based in Hertfordshire, has died with Covid-19.
Dr Abdorreza Sedghi, who was orginally from Iran, was a GP trainee based at Lister Hospital, Stevenage.
He died on Wednesday (27 May), having contracted the virus last month.
The news was confirmed by East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, from which tributes were paid to the ‘devoted’ doctor.
Nick Carver, the trust’s chief executive, said in a statement: ‘It is with deep sadness that I confirm the news that one of our colleagues, Dr Abdorreza Sedghi, has passed away.
‘Abdy, as he was known, contracted coronavirus (Covid-19) in April and sadly passed away at the Royal Papworth Hospital last night – 27 May.
‘Abdy was an Iranian GP who came to the UK to pursue a career in general practice. Abdy joined the Central Herts GP Training Scheme in August 2019 and was based at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.
‘Abdy made a big impact with his charisma and personality. He was devoted to his patients, taking time to understand their problems and worries.
‘As one team, we offer our very sincere condolences to his family and friends and mourn the loss of a greatly valued colleague.
‘We are providing support to our colleagues at this difficult time.’
Dr Sedghi’s family has asked that their privacy is respected during this time.
Of the GPs who have died with Covid-19, all bar one were of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) origin, and all bar one were male.
Yesterday, NHS England released updated guidance on how employers can assess the risk posed to BAME staff. However, it has not currently endorsed a specific scoring tool.
Pulse has recently analysed why BAME people may be facing worse outcomes. In total, approximately 200 NHS staff have died with the virus, alongside more than 120 people who worked in the social care sector.
