News / Southmead Hospital
‘Kind-hearted and caring’ Southmead Hospital worker dies after contracting coronavirus
The heartbroken family of Maureen Ellington say she would light up any room she entered as they paid tribute to the much-loved wife, mother and grandmother.
The healthcare assistant at Southmead Hospital died in the early hours of Sunday morning after testing positive for coronavirus. She was in her early 60s.
Described as “kind-hearted, compassionate and an irreplaceable member of the team”, Maureen worked for the NHS for more than 25 years and hospital bosses say she would always put the patients and colleagues before herself and always had a smile on her face.
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Paying tribute to her, Maureen’s family said: “We are heartbroken to lose the pillar of our family at this time. She was simply amazing. She loved her husband, five children, six grandchildren, wider family, friends and colleagues. She was kind-hearted, bubbly, caring and always joyous. She would light up any room she entered. She will always be in our hearts.”
During her time with the NHS, Maureen worked within lots of different teams at North Bristol NHS Trust, at both Frenchay and Southmead Hospitals.
Colleagues at Southmead Hospital have paid tribute to Maureen. Photo ©Barbara Evripidou
Her manager, Suzanne Moss, said: “To receive the sad news that an irreplaceable member of our team has sadly passed away has had a deeply devastating impact on us all.
“Maureen was a kind-hearted, compassionate and caring person and she brought all these attributes into her ward practice which made her a highly valued member of the team. Maureen put the patients and colleagues before herself and always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends”.
Andrea Young, chief executive at North Bristol NHS Trust, added: “Our trust has been on a journey over the years, through which Maureen has continued to play a caring and dedicated part. I want to personally recognise Maureen’s considerable service to the NHS and to North Bristol Trust specifically.
“The current challenge of facing the COVID-19 pandemic is the next step in our journey, and one that none of our staff have ever experienced. It has united us all in solidarity, as one NBT family, and one that Maureen will always remain a part of in our hearts. Having touched the lives of many of our staff over the years, we will be providing a place for everyone to remember Maureen in a virtual memorial service next week. My thoughts are with Maureen’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”
Maureen Ellington worked for the NHS for more than 25 years. Photo courtesy of North Bristol NHS Trust
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