A plaster technician has become the latest NHS worker to die from coronavirus.
Kevin Smith had worked for the NHS for 35 years before his death from Covid-19.
His heartbroken daughter Ellie Whitley wrote on Facebook: "It’s so overwhelming to see so many amazing comments for such an incredible person who loved his job and everyone he worked with for many years.
"Thank you everyone. we will all miss him greatly but never forget him, ever!"
Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “I am utterly heartbroken to share the news that Kevin Smith, a well-respected and hugely popular member of our team, has sadly passed away following a brief, but courageous, battle with Covid-19.
“A Plaster Technician at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and a valued member of the team for over 35 years, Kev, as he was known to friends and colleagues, was renowned for his warm personality, diligence and compassion.
"He will be missed beyond all measure by everyone at the Trust.
“I am incredibly thankful to colleagues who cared for Kevin, and for their tireless efforts during this time.
“As an organisation, we share our collective thoughts, condolences and deepest sympathies with Kevin’s wife, Diane, and their loved ones, and we are asking the media to respect the wishes of the family for privacy during this truly difficult time.”
Today the UK total for deaths from coronavirus reached 10,647 with that number expected to rise further in the coming days and weeks.
The total number of NHS staff confirmed to have died during the pandemic is in the 30s however it is not known how many are confirmed to have had the virus.
The Government have been heavily criticized for a failure to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline staff.
This shortage, combined with a lack of adequate testing, means NHS Trusts are having to handle staff self-isolating - and not able to work - if they develop just one of the many Covid-19 symptoms.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma was asked this morning about the Royal College of Nursing advising members to refuse to treat patients if they do not have adequate personal protective equipment to use, said health workers should not be put in such a position.
He told Sky News: "It is absolutely right that no medical professional should be placed in a position where they have to make that choice.
"That for me is self-evident. That is why we are making sure we get the equipment to the front line."
The Cabinet minister said PPE demand was well beyond anything like what it would be outside of a pandemic and that there was a "unified effort" to deliver more supplies.
