Tributes have been paid to an NHS nurse described as a "true gem" who has died from coronavirus.
Ken Lambatan, 34, was a cardiac research nurse at St George’s Hospital in London, and is one of dozens of healthcare workers to have died from the disease.
His death was announced shortly before Britain observed a minute's silence in memory of NHS staff and key workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus.
St George's Hospital led tributes to the nurse, who was described as "fit and active".
In a statement, they said: "We are very sorry to confirm the sad news that one of our colleagues, Ken Lambatan, has sadly died.
"Ken was based in the cardiology department at St George’s Hospital, but also worked closely with colleagues in the Clinical Research Facility – so had strong links with both the Trust, and St George’s, University of London, who we share our site with."
Jacqueline Totterdell, Chief Executive of St George’s Hospital and Professor Jenny Higham, Principal, St George’s, University of London, added: “Everyone at St George’s is deeply saddened by the death of Ken, one of our cardiac research nurses.
“Ken was very popular with staff, and described as a ‘true gem’ by those that knew him well. He was dedicated to his role as a research nurse here at St George’s, and was as popular with his patients as he was with colleagues.
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
Therese Hona said on Twitter : "My sister's friend Ken Lambatan, a research nurse at St. George's Hospital, has died today. He was barely 34 years old, fit and active.
"He developed hypercoagulation as a complication to COVID. His family is immensely heartbroken. Please honour him by staying at home."
On Monday, Heath Secretary Matt Hancock said 82 NHS staff and 16 care workers are confirmed to have died from coronavirus but the real figure is thought to be higher and more than 100.
The announcement came as the government announced families of NHS and social care staff who die from coronavirus in the course of "essential frontline work" will receive a £60,000 payment.
Mr Hancock said: "Families and staff who die from coronavirus in the course of their essential frontline work will receive a £60,000 payment."
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis has backed the scheme saying it was the 'least we can do'.
He said: "It’s only right the families of all those who worked for the NHS or in social care, and who’ve sadly lost their lives to the virus, are properly provided for.
“Until now, the relatives of any low-paid health worker who died and had opted out of the NHS pension scheme would've received nothing.
"Nor would the families of care workers on precarious contracts. Thankfully now that wrong has been put right.
“Until their untimely deaths, all were looking after patients, saving lives, caring for the elderly and the vulnerable in our hospitals and care homes.
"Putting themselves in harm’s way, while most of us were safe at home.
“All the money in the world can’t replace a loved one. Nor can it lessen the deep grief relatives are experiencing.
“But providing financial security for the families of all those who’ve paid the ultimate price for their professionalism and dedication is the very least we can do."
