Surgeon who died from Covid-19 worked part-time at the Royal Preston Hospital

A surgeon who died on Merseyside after contracting Covid-19 was working part-time at the Royal Preston Hospital, it has been revealed.
Dr Sadeq Elhowsh worked in the urgent care centre at the Royal Preston Hospital.Dr Sadeq Elhowsh worked in the urgent care centre at the Royal Preston Hospital.
Dr Sadeq Elhowsh worked in the urgent care centre at the Royal Preston Hospital.

And today the private company which employed orthopaedics specialist Dr Sadeq Elhowsh as a locum in the hospital's urgent care centre at Fulwood paid tribute to a "well-respected colleague who will be sorely missed."

Dr Elhowsh, whose main job was as an NHS surgeon at Whiston Hospital near Rainhill, also treated hundreds of patients as a locum doctor in Preston where the urgent care centre - adjacent to A&E - is run by GTD Healthcare.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The company also operates a similar 24-hour unit at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.

The Royal Preston Hospital urgent care centre is adjacent to A&E.The Royal Preston Hospital urgent care centre is adjacent to A&E.
The Royal Preston Hospital urgent care centre is adjacent to A&E.

David Beckett, GTD’s chief executive, told the Post: “We are extremely saddened that Dr Elhowsh lost his fight against Covid-19.

“Dr Elhowsh was a well-respected colleague who will be sorely missed by all at GTD Healthcare. He worked for us as a locum doctor mainly for the minor injuries service within the urgent care centre at Royal Preston Hospital, but he also supported other services across the localities we operate.

“A true gentleman, Dr Elhowsh was very popular amongst his colleagues and he worked hard with a desire to improve the quality of our services and provide the best care for patients.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Whenever Dr Elhowsh was working, staff would feel that a safe pair of hands were in place and he would always offer his specialist expertise.

“My deepest sympathies go out to Dr Elhowsh’s family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time. Once again, this is a devastating reminder of the seriousness of this horrible disease.”

Dr Elhowsh, 58, died last week in Whiston Hospital where he had worked for 17 years. Staff lined up outside the hospital and applauded as the father-of-four's funeral cortege passed by.

A Just Giving page, set up to fund one of his four sons through medical school, raised more than £50,000 in just 24 hours and now stands at almost £93,000.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Colleagues and patients revealed Dr Elhowsh was well-known for his catchphrase "Don't worry, I'll sort it."

His family released a statement saying: "Sadeq was a wonderful husband, as well as a devoted father, and he dearly loved his family. We cannot put into words the depth of our loss.

"He loved his work and was dedicated to supporting his patients and his colleagues.

"As a family we are extremely appreciative for all the kind words and messages we have received. We would like to take this time to grieve in private."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Ravi Gudena said: "Nothing was ever too much trouble for Sadeq, he was always there to help anyone and was happy to do whatever was needed to help his colleagues and patients."

The fundraising page on GoFundMe is called "In Memory of Mr Elhowsh." It can be found online at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-mr-elhowsh

Related topics: