Tributes paid after deaths of two South East Coast Ambulance Service workers

Two members of staff at the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECamb) who passed away this week were remembered during Clap for Carers last night.
Peter Hart was 'an extremely skilled and dedicated' emergency care practitionerPeter Hart was 'an extremely skilled and dedicated' emergency care practitioner
Peter Hart was 'an extremely skilled and dedicated' emergency care practitioner

Peter Hart, an ‘extremely skilled and dedicated’ emergency care practitioner, passed away on Tuesday – his 52nd birthday – having tested positive for coronavirus.

Rosie, an emergency care support worker based in the Crawley area, also died this week, though her death was not coronavirus-related.

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Peter joined SECAmb in 2006 as an emergency care assistant, progressing his career through Ambulance Technician, Paramedic, Clinical Team Leader before qualifying as a Paramedic Practitioner.

In 2017, he joined the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust full time, but continued to work additional bank shifts for SECAmb.

His dedication to patients even extended to volunteering at East Surrey Hospital, where he would visit with his pet therapy dog to bring joy and companionship to those receiving care.

Peter’s family described him as ‘an amazing husband and dad’.

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In a statement, they said: “Pete has touched so many people’s lives, spreading his joy and kindness wherever he went.

“Nothing will ever bring him back to us, though the overwhelming love and support from family, friends and the local community has given us such comfort.

“We are in awe of the tireless efforts of all NHS workers currently battling this evil virus.

“We would sincerely like to thank the incredible ICU team at East Surrey Hospital for their world-class, compassionate care.

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“Our thoughts are also with his Emergency Department colleagues, whom he considered his second family.

“A huge hole has been left in our hearts. We love you, forever and always.”

Jo Crerar, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s operating unit manager for Gatwick and Redhill, said Peter was a ‘highly-respected paramedic’.

“I know that he will be very much missed by his colleagues and friends alike,” she said.

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“Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew Peter at this sad and difficult time.”

Michael Wilson CBE, chief executive of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “I was privileged to have known Peter for ten years and proud to call him a friend and a colleague.

“He was such a lovely man, whose priority was always the care of our patients and this would shine through whenever we spoke.

“All of our thoughts are with Peter’s family; we are in touch with them to offer our condolences and support.”

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Tributes have also been paid to Rosie, an emergency care support worker with SECamb.

Ms Crerar said: “Our thoughts are with Rosie’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

“She was in the thoughts of many of us who took a moment to remember her ahead of last night’s weekly clap for carers event.

“She will be very much missed. We ask that her family’s privacy is respected at this time.”

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