Mark Woolcock’s Family Reflects on His Concerns and Legacy Amid Pandemic Challenges
Mark Woolcock, 59, an NHS employee who dedicated over 17 years to patient care, passed away from Covid-19 on April 20, 2020, at Newham University Hospital in east London. His daughter, Tania Woolcock, revealed during an inquest that her father “did not feel safe” working during the early days of the pandemic, citing frustration over insufficient protective measures.
Mr Woolcock, a Stratford resident, worked in patient transport services, ensuring discharged patients reached their homes or care facilities. Before his last shift on March 22, 2020, he expressed concerns about the lack of provided personal protective equipment (PPE), sharing with his daughter that he had to source his own.
Tania, a social worker from Thornton Heath, remembered her father as nurturing and kind, always putting others’ needs first. She described their final conversations, noting his discomfort with hospital protocols mixing Covid and non-Covid patients. Though initially attributing his symptoms to a cold, she later witnessed signs of severe illness, including fever, loss of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties.
After a rapid decline in his condition, Mr Woolcock was admitted to hospital on April 3, struggling with symptoms that left him unable to speak clearly. His family faced challenges communicating with hospital staff due to pandemic restrictions. Doctors reported that his lungs were severely affected by Covid-19, with a high viral load suggesting repeated exposure.
The inquest aims to evaluate the measures implemented by the Barts Health NHS Trust to protect employees like Mr Woolcock. Statements presented highlighted his text messages to relatives, including mentions of being exposed to Covid-positive patients without PPE. Despite these challenges, Mr Woolcock chose not to burden his family, who were already supporting a relative with cancer.
His nephew, Nick Kenton, described Mr Woolcock as humble and diligent, earning respect and affection from colleagues. Following his death, the hospital staff held a moving funeral procession, honouring him with a guard of honour and applause as ambulances accompanied his coffin.
Newham University Hospital later inaugurated a tranquillity garden to commemorate staff lost to Covid-19. Mr Kenton shared, “Mark was taken far too soon, just shy of his 60th birthday. He was a brilliant man, loved by all who knew him.”
The inquest, continuing this week, will explore the pandemic’s impact on frontline workers and their families.
