Investigation launched following death of doctor who pleaded for more PPE

Consultant Dr Peter Tun Credit: Family handout/PA

An NHS trust has launched a serious incident investigation following the death of one of its doctors who reportedly begged his hospital for better protection against Covid-19.

Dr Peter Tun, 62, requested access to more personal protective equipment (PPE), his son told ITV News, but contracted the virus and died on April 13.

Michael Tun said his father's death may have been avoided had the associate specialist had proper PPE.

Following his father's death, Mr Tun said he found emails on Dr Tun's phone showing how the associate specialist had called for better PPE for himself and his team.

Mr Tun said his father's email exchange shows he asked for at least surgical masks as "you must suspect everyone of having coronavirus".

In an interview with ITV News, Mr Tun said there needs to be more accountability about why his father's requests seemed to go unanswered.

"When I asked about why this is not done, why my dad didn't have the PPE, a lot of the answers seem to be around following strict national guidelines and that, for me, lacks total accountability because there's no explanation what the guidelines are."

He continued: "When a doctor of 40 years has to build such a case to get even a basic surgical mask for him and his team, there is clearly a failure in the decision making process.

"And this may be beyond individual blame."

A Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: "We can confirm a serious incident investigation has been launched.

"It involves senior managers and clinicians, who are working closely with Dr Tun’s family to look at their concerns and answer their questions.

"Whilst this is ongoing, we are unable to say any more."

Peter Tun (right) died at the hospital he worked at after contracting Covid-19. Credit: Handout

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