Homerton Hospital doctor dies of coronavirus after calling for more PPE

A doctor at Homerton Hospital, who made an appeal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson for more personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS workers, died today from coronavirus.

Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, was a consultant urologist at the Homerton, and leaves behind two children and his wife, with whom it is understood he recently celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary.

Tributes are pouring in this evening to the “valued and popular” surgeon, with Hackney South MP Meg Hillier and Mayor Philip Glanville, as well as the Muslim Doctors Association, all adding their condolences.

Writing to Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Facebook three weeks before his death, Dr Chowdhury said: “Please ensure urgently PPE for each and every NHS health worker in the UK.

“We have to protect ourselves and our families and kids in this global disaster by using appropriate PPE and remedies.

“I hope we are by default entitled to get this minimal support for our safe medical practice.”

Hillier has said that she is “so sad” to learn of Dr Chowdhury’s death, sent her thoughts and prayers to his family and colleagues, and repeated government advice to stay safe, protect the NHS and save lives over the Easter weekend.

Mayor Glanville wrote in a tweet: “A hero from the Homerton Hospital who has died serving Hackney and fighting this terrible disease.

“I hope his death wasn’t as a result of continuing issues around testing and PPE, but it raises questions. A sobering reminder of the lives being lost to keep us safe & the contribution BAME staff make.”

A spokesperson for the Homerton Hospital said: “We are so sad to have lost a valued and popular colleague. Mr Chowdhury was one of our urological surgeons and was a familiar face in outpatients and other departments. He will be missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family.”

Homerton Chief Executive Tracey Fletcher said: “Abdul will be greatly missed by every member of the urology department, as well as by all those who knew him in outpatients, wards, theatres and management. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”

EDIT: This article was updated at 23:31 on Thursday 9 April to include a statement from Tracey Fletcher.