The true figure could be higher as not all deaths are in the public domain.
The number of health and social care workers thought to have died from COVID-19 has now entered triple figures.
NursingNotes has worked alongside the family, friends, and colleagues of those who have died to ensure every health and social care worker lost due to COVID-19 is recognised.
As of this afternoon, that number has surpassed 100 – although the true figure is likely to be higher as not all deaths are in the public domain. That figure includes staff from a wide range of roles including; doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, social care workers, ancillary staff and students.
Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities have been disproportionately affected, accounting for around 75% of deaths while only making up around 20% of the healthcare workforce.
In contrast, the latest Government figures suggest there have been just 27 deaths of NHS staff due to COVID-19 during the pandemic.
Healthcare leaders have today paid tribute to those that have died. Dame Donna Kinnair, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing added; “The loss of life we are seeing during the pandemic among healthcare staff is heart-breaking, and every death is a tragedy”
They will be sorely missed.
Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar for the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) said, “I am deeply saddened by the death of each and every member of the health and care community as a result of Covid19.
“On behalf of everyone at the NMC, we are very grateful to all of the nurses and midwives on our register and their colleagues in health and social care, who have worked so hard to keep us safe but have been so tragically lost.
“They will be sorely missed by their family, friends and colleagues and we offer our sincerest sympathy and condolences. May they rest in peace.”
British Medical Association council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul added; “On behalf of the medical profession, I want to express my sincerest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who have lost their lives to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is essential that we honour their contribution and remember the impact that their care and dedicated service has had and will continue to have on the lives of the many patients and individuals they have helped over the years.
“It is important to remember also the many lives have already been saved because of the heroic efforts of healthcare staff working tirelessly throughout the country. We are forever grateful for their efforts in providing care and protecting the health of the nation throughout these difficult times.”