The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) has announced the death of one of its longest-serving members of staff who sadly died after contracting COVID-19

The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) has announced the death of one of its longest-serving members of staff who sadly died after contracting COVID-19. 

A spokesperson for EEAST said:

“The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) is sad to confirm the death of one of our members of staff, Barry England.

“Barry was a Leading Operations Manager in Hemel Hempstead and a hugely valued friend and colleague.

“He was admitted to hospital last Sunday and died yesterday.

“Barry tested positive for COVID-19. We offer our sincere condolences to Barry’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. 

“The Trust is offering its support to Barry’s family, and we will not be making any further announcements at this stage”.

A statement issued on behalf of Barry’s family said that their hearts are broken at this sudden loss and that Barry was extremely proud to have worked for the ambulance service for over 33 years. 

The family have said that they would like to thank all the of NHS staff who cared for Barry in hospital and for the support being received from his former colleagues. 

The family also asked that their privacy is respected as they grieve. 

The death of Mr England came the day before it was announced that a North West Ambulance Service paramedic and a British Transport Police Detective also died from COVID-19. 

The North West Ambulance Service paramedic, who has not been named, passed away in hospital on Friday 17th April on the same day that 53-year-old BTP Detective Constable John Coker also succumbed to COVID-19.

On 13th April, a ‘much-loved’ and ‘highly respected’ paramedic took her own life a day after finishing her set of shifts. 

23-year-old Charlotte Cope, from the Welsh Ambulance Service, was found dead at her home address having taken her own life.