By Doncaster hospital worker allegedly told to shield days before death
Kevin Smith (64) allegedly received a letter to shield days before his death; he was already in hospital with Covid-19.
He sadly passed away only days later.
His wife, Diane, has reportedly stated that the letter came too late, resulting in his death.
Kevin contracted coronavirus in March 2020, but his condition worsened a month later.
He passed away on Sunday 12 April 2020.
Prior to this, Kevin had worked for Doncaster Royal Infirmary as a Plaster Technician since 1983.
He took the decision to have his own leg amputated in 1982 after being in plaster for multiple years, so he knew what it was like to have mobility issues.
Reports claim that he was taking immunosuppressant drugs for rheumatoid arthritis the year he passed away.
The letter he received indicated that people on these drugs should shield to avoid contracting Covid-19, but it was already too late.
He reportedly received oxygen therapy and antibiotics to treat the condition at the time.
The coroner recorded that he died from natural causes.
It is unclear how he contracted the virus.
A fundraiser started in his honour raised a massive £17,424.36, plus £2,784.25 gift aid, alongside a wave of heartfelt tributes.
The money will go towards new wheelchairs for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Training Hospitals.
On the fundraising page, Diane said: “Kev loved his job and the people he worked with and from the number of tributes there have been in response to his death it has become obvious he in turn was a much loved and respected member of staff.
“Kev lost his fight against this horrendous virus despite the exemplary care he received from ED, AMU, Respiratory Unit and finally DCC.”
Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive at DBTH, said: “Kevin was compassionate, warm and extremely skilled.
“He was a credit to our hospitals and the NHS and we will miss him every single day.
“On a personal note, I am so full of admiration for Diane, and her wider family, who have dealt with their loss with such incredible grace and strength. Now that they are setting their sights on fundraising for our hospitals and patients for such a worthy cause, I am lost for words – all I can say is thank you from the very bottom of my heart.”
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Kevin’s wife and family during this sad time.
(Photo: Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals)
