A DEDICATED and experienced doctor at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has been among over 200 frontline workers to have lost their lives during the pandemic.

Dr David Weir, who died from coronavirus in December at the end of last year, had worked for the NHS in North Manchester for 30 years, before moving over to East Lancashire to help with the pandemic response.

He joins at least 216 frontline care and health workers who have been identified as having died from the virus, though the true figure is likely to be higher as some cases have not yet been confirmed in the public domain.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Kevin McGee said: "Dr David Weir, who passed away from COVID-19 on 3 December, had dedicated his life and career to helping and caring for his patients.

“David, a Respiratory Consultant, had been with the Trust for a year, having previously worked at North Manchester for 30 years, and was well known and respected throughout the respiratory circuit. While David’s time at the Trust was short, his loss will be felt deeply by all his colleagues and friends at ELHT."

Dr Reid had been helping people across East Lancashire during the last year of his life, as the region found itself to be one of the hardest hit by the virus.

Mr McGee said: “David spent his life helping people in their time of need.

"When not at work David would walk his four dogs and relax in his beloved garden, tending to his vegetable patch, making jam and baking bread, he truly enjoyed the good life.

"David will be greatly missed, and we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife Jane, their children and family.

“This is a terrible and poignant reminder of the situation we are facing every day to help others and I want to thank every member our staff for their continued care for our patients and community. Their continued courage and commitment to duty is inspirational and a comfort to us all in these difficult times.”