More than 11,500 Italians have died from the coronvirus since the pandemic first hit Italy earlier this year, the country has the highest death toll in the world, even higher than China, where the virus first originated.
Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri (FNOMCeO), a national doctors’ association in Italy, has kept up to date recordings of the fatalities of health workers who are on the frontline in the fight against the coronavirus.
Data from FNOMCeO suggests that at least 66 medical professionals have died so far whilst treating COVID-19 patients across the country.
The first medical worker who died was the Italian Medical Chief, Dr Roberto Stella, aged 67, on 11 March.
A colleague and friend has said his last words were:
“We’re here to work and to fight.”
Speaking before he contracted the virus, he told another staff member
:“We have run out of masks. But we don’t stop. Let’s be careful and go on.”
Roberto Stella left behind a family including a 24-year-old son who is currently studying to be doctor. In his tribute, he told the Italian press he had dreamt of making his father proud when he eventually graduated.
Saverio Chiaravalle, vice-president of the Varese doctor’s order, of which Stella was the President, told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera:
“He died a hero, like other colleagues who have died in recent days.”
Hospitals in Italy have been completely overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, one doctor in Bergamo saying:
“I have never felt so stressed in my life, I’m an intensivist, and I am quite used to intense moments… But when you are at this point you realise that you are not enough.”
The latest data released by Italy’s Higher Institute of Health (ISS) states at least 6,414 health workers have been infected, with an average age of 49.
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I admire the people still working with the health services. Discussed with the government, knowing that this was the requirement to protect our NHS staff. Also protective items, bringing sent to other countries!!