Coronavirus: Paramedic dies after contracting Covid-19

Robert BlackCampbeltown Courier

Tributes have also been paid to Robert Black

A paramedic from Argyll has died in hospital after contracting Covid-19.

He has been named locally as Robert Black, from Campbeltown. He died in a Glasgow hospital on Saturday.

Pauline Howie, chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), who did not name Mr Black, said the service had been "greatly saddened" by the loss of a "dear colleague".

And on behalf of the SAS, she offered her "heart-felt condolences and deepest sympathies" to his family.

Ms Howie added: "I would also like to thank our NHS Scotland colleagues for the compassionate care they have shown our friend during their illness."

'Close-knit family'

Robert Pollock, secretary of GMB Scotland's ambulance branch, said: "It is devastating for the whole ambulance service as it is a big close-knit family.

"Everyone who works in the NHS has the same fears as everyone else. However, they are professionals so they will get out there and do what they've got to do."

Mr Pollock said the problems with protective equipment for paramedics identified at the start of the pandemic were being addressed.

'Great family man'

Argyll FM, where Mr Black did some work, said on its Facebook page that he was "a much loved member" of the team and would be "sorely missed".

Tributes have also been paid on social media by Argyll community organisations.

Kintyre Community Resilience Group said its volunteers had been "devastated" by the death of Mr Black.

The group described him as a "great family man", a "hugely respected and talented" musician and a "fantastic" paramedic.

Mull of Kintyre Music Festival said he was a "true gent, a wonderful musician and a friend".