Colleagues line roads in tribute to Dudley hospital worker after coronavirus death
Colleagues of a much-loved NHS worker who died with coronavirus have paid their respects in a roadside tribute as her funeral procession passed by the hospital where she worked.
Julie Jones, 61, had been ill for several months and passed away recently with Covid-19.
She was a much-loved and respected clinical support worker who worked at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital for more than 30 years.
Julie began her career with Interserve in 1989 before moving to the role of cleanliness support worker in 2012. From there she went on to being a wellbeing worker on ward C3 and then a CSW on C8.
Julie leaves behind four children, Steven, Richard, Melvin and Rachel, and 10 grandchildren. Her family, friends and colleagues had been left shocked by her death.
Her funeral took place today and friends and colleagues were invited to take part virtually. Her funeral procession was due to pass Russells Hall Hospital shortly before, with the Dudley Group NHS Trust's chief executive Diane Wake, chairman Yve Buckland and executive colleagues joining the tribute to Julie.
Julie's daughter-in-law, Lindsey Wood, who also works for the trust as a district nurse, said: "Julie was an amazing woman, funny and always up for a laugh.
"She was a wonderful person and I loved her to bits.
"The staff on C8 have been so good to us as a family and have been messaging me with their support."
Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We are so saddened by the loss of Julie, who was a much-loved part of the family here at The Dudley Group.
"Having started as a domestic, she built a career with us and contributed hugely to the care of our patients and the life of the trust.
"She is sadly missed by all her friends here and we send our condolences to her family.”
