Doctor who spent months apart from family on NHS front line dies of covid

It's believed he helped 250,000 patients throughout his 25-year career

A selfless doctor who spent months away from his family in order to treat people suffering from coronavirus has died after contracting the virus whilst at work. Dr Irfan Halim, who worked at Swindon's Great Western Hospital, collapsed whilst on shift on September 10 and was placed on intensive care where he stayed for approximately nine weeks. After a courageous battle, Dr Halim sadly passed away last weekend on November 14 with his wife by his side. It's believed that he contracted covid whilst at work. Health officials said they were "devastated" by the news of Dr Halim's passing, with one colleague saying he was the "definition of service to others." The hospital has since confirmed that Dr Halim was the hospital's third doctor to die after contracting the virus. A father of four, the 45-year-old doctor cared for more than 250,000 patients throughout his 25 year career within the NHS. During the peak of the pandemic, Dr Halim isolated from his wife and young children in order to protect them from infection and keep them safe. His wife, Saila Halim, paid tribute to her late husband. Posting to a GoFundMe page set up to raise money to support the family, she said: "With a broken heart shattered in pieces beyond imagination I muster what little strength I have to write this message. "My beloved Irfan passed away on the Sunday 14th November at 7:51pm peacefully whilst I held him in my arms whispering prayers and love into his ears along with his brother and sister surrounded by his beautiful friends." She added: "Irfan you gave me fifteen magical years as your wife, four beautiful children, wonderful memories that will last me until my remaining days in this world. "You gave 25 dedicated years service to the NHS working as a Consultant General Surgeon. "Please remember him in your prayers and duas and mountains of strength for his children for the pain of losing a wonderful, beloved father at such a tender age." Dr Halim's relatives have described him as the "sole breadwinner" of his family. You can support family fundraiser by heading here. Related links:

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