Colleagues remember Doctor renowned for his 'big personality' & 'bear hugs'

Tributes have been paid to a doctor from Leicester, best known for his big personality and bear hugs, who died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Dr Thomas Oelmann, 57, was tested for Covid-19 while he was being treated for a dissecting aortic aneurysm at Glenfield Hospital.

The out of hours doctor, who worked for DHU HealthCare died on Thursday April 23. He leaves behind partner Nenita and five brothers and sisters.

An email sent to his DHU colleagues said that co-workers would miss the "delightful chocolates from his travels abroad" and that he approached his role with "good humour".

It read: "Whenever Thomas was on duty everyone would know it. He was a big personality and always willing to give his bear hugs."

His death has been marked with numerous tributes in his workplace, and his hearse passed the not-for-profit health company on its way to Gilroes this morning (18th May).

A Just Giving fundraising page has been set up in his memory to raise money for Philippines Covid Aid. So far £1,339 has been raised, surpassing the £700 target.

Saurabh Johri, Clinical Director at DHU Health Care said: "Thomas has been a stalwart and a member of our out of hours family in its various guises for many years.

"I first met Thomas 17 years ago when we both worked for PrimeCare carrying out home visits. He later worked for the PCT carrying out telephone consultations and home visits.

"Thomas was also a teacher. He taught countless GP Registrars over the years and many of you are now fully-fledged GPs who continue to work out of hours.

"He supported many clinicians as they trained to become prescribers. He supported all of us in his role as a clinical lead, approaching this role with patience, calmness and good humour. I know that in particular, our triage nurses will deeply feel his loss."