A 51-year-old nurse passed away alone in his apartment in London after his calls to emergency services went unanswered.

His family said that he feared he caught coronavirus while treating a patient without wearing PPE.

Police found the body of Donald Suelto at his London apartment on April 7 after concerns for the chemotherapy nurse’s welfare.

Mr. Suelto from the Philippines had been in isolation with symptoms of coronavirus. He worked at Hammersmith hospital in west London.

His niece, 38-year-old Emylene Suelto-Robertson, said: “It’s so tragic. He was told to dial 111 but the lines were so busy. He just couldn’t get through.

“He messaged a colleague at work on April 5 saying he was struggling to get through. It was the last contact anyone had.

“I was trying to contact him but he didn’t answer so I expected he was already in the hospital. But he died before he could ring 999.”

Mr. Suelto, who had asthma, had complained about the lack of PPE and was told to call 111 if symptoms don’t improve. The 51-year-old told Emylene, who currently lives in Scotland, that he feared he got infected from treating a patient suffering from a high fever and a cough without PPE.

Emylene continued: “He said that he hadn’t been given any PPE and that his manager kept telling him they were short.

“My uncle spent 18 years serving the NHS and has paid the ultimate price. At first we didn’t even know where his body was taken and we still don’t have a death certificate.

“We are waiting patiently but it is not right.”

An Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust spokesperson said: “We are very saddened by Donald’s death and our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues at this especially difficult time.

“We strictly follow national guidance on the use of personal protective equipment. Donald was not working in an area for Covid-19 patients.”

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