A MUCH-LOVED Ramsbottom GP has died following a battle with coronavirus, it is understood.

Dr Saad Al-Dubbaisi, who worked at Garden City Medical Centre in Holcombe Brook, died at Salford Royal Hospital on Sunday.

The GP, who is believed to have been in his 60s, had been unwell for a number of weeks, but it is understood that his death was linked to coronavirus.

Dr. Jeff Schryer, local GP and chairman of NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) confirmed the news.

He said: “It is with great sadness to hear the news that one of our GPs in Bury, Dr. Saad Al-Dubbaisi, has sadly passed away after being very poorly for a number of weeks.

“Dr. Al-Dubbaisi, was a much-loved, compassionate and experienced GP from Garden City Medical Centre.

“He lived and worked in Bury, and was a popular and caring member of our General Practice community.

“Dr. Al-Dubbaisi cared for generations of the same families from his practice in Holcombe Brook for many years. He will be sorely missed by his work family and patients.

“Our health and care staff are the people who put themselves on the front line every single day, and our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, children and the dedicated practice team at Garden City at this incredibly difficult time.”

Dr Al-Dubbaisi graduated from the University of Baghdad in 1983, according to the United Iraqi Medical Association of the UK and Ireland.

The doctor is believed to be the first GP in Greater Manchester to die after contracting coronavirus.

One friend, Amira Al-Abadi, said: "Dr Saad was a great man with a very kind heart and beautiful soul.

"He will be greatly missed and forever remembered for his dedication to his family and his work."