A lead consultant for haematology has passed away from coronavirus.

Dr Tariq Shafi, 61, worked at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford for 13 years alongside his team of clinicians and support workers.

On Thursday, April 2, Dr Shafi developed corona symptoms with mild throat pain and fever. For the next week, he held telephone clinics over the phone from his home and continued to work non-stop.

A week later, he became breathless while still working with his patients over the phone.

On Thursday, April 9, Dr Shafi was admitted to the same hospital where he worked. On Sunday, April 12, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. His health deteriorated and he was ventilated.

He subsequently was taken to St Thomas Hospital in central London on Friday, April 24.

Dr Shafi passed away yesterday afternoon, despite the efforts of some of the best doctors in the country to save him.

"He was one of a kind..."

Speaking to Geo News over the phone, Dr Shafi’s wife, Varda, said: "Tariq passed away in the blessed month of Ramadan in line of duty.

"Even after he had developed symptoms of corona and isolated at home, he continued to do telephone clinics."

On Facebook, a spokesman for the Darent Valley Hospital said: "With much sadness we confirm the untimely death of our greatly respected and loved colleague, Dr Tariq Shafi.

"Tariq placed his patients at the heart of everything he did.

"He will be hugely missed by his patients, his team and all of us here at the trust. We send our sincere condolences and sympathies to his family at this tragic time."

Patients and colleagues alike have taken to Darent Valley's page to share their memories of Dr Shafi.

Sarah Finn commented: "He was one of a kind, he saved my nana's life more than once.

"His care was incredible. He will be a huge loss to the DV team. My heart goes out to his family."

Stacy Harrington said: "One of life’s real angels. This man saved my dad 10 years ago and we will forever be in his debt.

"This is such a tragic loss of an amazing incredible empathetic human being.

"Nothing was ever too much and there was never any rushed appointments. Dr Shafi made you feel like you were his only patient and that there was always hope, even if the odds were stacked against you.

"Rest in peace Dr Shafi and know that so many many people were and are thankful that you touched their lives. An angel who has gained his wings."

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