A 51-year-old chemotherapy nurse died alone in his home after repeated calls to a medical hotline.
Donald Suelto, also known as Dondee, who worked at a west London hospital, had been self-isolating after showing symptoms of the virus.
He called his elderly mother in the Philippines the previous night telling her: “I don’t think I can fight this virus. It’s like a knife stabbing all over my body,” according to British newspaper The Metro.
He was told to call a UK medical helpline 111 set up for urgent but not life-threatening health issues but couldn’t get through, according to the newspaper.
His body was discovered by police after neighbors raised concerns for his welfare.
His niece Emylene said he suffered with asthma and feared becoming infected after treating a coughing patient with a high temperature.
A fundraising page has been set up to help raise funds for Donald’s funeral expenses and to help his family back home who relied on Donald’s financial support.
Depends on financial support
“Dondee was a very upbeat person, happy and fun to be with. He was also very dedicated to his job as a nurse,” according to the fundraising page.
“Dondee was also the breadwinner of his family in the Philippines for his elderly mother and niece and nephews depending on his financial support.”
It’s such a tragedy that people are dying alone from this horrific virus.
We must do our bit to prevent the rising numbers by staying home and washing our hands. Sending strength and support to the family of Donald Suelto.
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