Tributes paid to surgeon who worked at Hereford County Hospital

Tributes have been paid to a surgeon who worked at Hereford County Hospital who has died from coronavirus.

Adil El Tayar, 63, an organ transplant consultant, is believed to be the first working NHS surgeon to die from Covid-19.

He had worked around the world, including in Saudi Arabia, Sudan and at St Mary’s and St George’s hospitals in London.

Dr El Tayar died at West Middlesex University Hospital in west London on March 25, and his family believe he caught the virus while in Hereford.

Vincent Okafor, a consultant geriatrician, who, until recently, lived with Dr El Tayar in Folly Lane, Hereford, said his death came as a shock.

“Only a couple of weeks ago we had been living together and sharing meals.

“He was a very nice guy. He used to cook and invite us all to eat with him.

“He was well travelled. Oman, Saudia Arabia and Qatar: he told us about all these places and explained the situation in Sudan and South Sudan.

We would just sit down and talk about many things.

“He was a really nice person. He was going to retire in two years’ time and his plan was to go back to Sudan. He wanted to set up a foundation to help the people there.”

Wye Valley NHS Trust medical director David Mowbray said they were saddened to learn of Dr El Tayar’s death.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Adil worked as a locum at Hereford County Hospital. We were fortunate to have someone of his skill and stature working for the trust and many patients will have benefited from his talent and expertise.

“Colleagues at the hospital have paid tribute to his compassionate and friendly nature and professional demeanour. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him.”

British Ambassador to Sudan Irfan Siddiq also paid tribute.

“Saddened to hear of Sudanese doctor Adil El Tayar’s death in the UK from Covid-19,” Mr Siddiq said.

“Health workers around the world have shown extraordinary courage. We cannot thank them enough. In this fight we must listen to their advice.”