Remembering those we lost - some special tributes to our colleagues who were taken too soon

Remembering our colleagues

Kevin Smith

On Easter Sunday in 2020, Kevin Smith, a beloved colleague at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), passed away following treatment for Covid-19. A Plaster Technician at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and a valued and respected member of the team since 1983, Kev, as he was known to friends, cared for thousands of patients throughout his career. So well-known and thought of was the Doncaster resident that he was often stopped and thanked whenever he was out and about by those he had so expertly patched-up, potted and plastered. Following the announcement of Kevin’s passing, thousands of colleagues across DBTH came together and clapped for him for one minute. This was in addition to the countless messages left on Facebook, describing him at the town’s ‘very best pot man’ amongst other heartfelt tributes. Channelling her efforts into such a worthwhile project, Diane Smith, Kev’s wife, has launched an appeal in her husband’s honour, to raise money for much-needed wheelchairs at the Trust. Speaking about the fundraising campaign, Diane said: “Kev spent many years in plaster due to a congenital abnormality of his lower leg, and in 1982 took the decision to have it amputated. From a very early age he knew exactly what it was like to experience mobility problems. “It was with this in mind that I decided to ask for donations in memory of my husband which will be put towards the cost of new wheelchairs for DBTH. Kev was always complaining he could never find wheelchairs for patients and when he did he always said that they had a mind of their own. “Over the years this Trust has been good to our family, so the least we can do in Kev’s memory is raise as much money as we can so patients and staff will have access to a wheelchair wherever and whenever they need one.” The dedicated wheelchair park, called ‘Kev’s Wheels’ is situated outside the fracture clinic where Kev worked and is a fitting tribute to Kevin, one that is in-keeping with his generous spirit and his will to do the very best for his patients.

Dr Medhat Atalla

In April 2020, Dr Medhat Atalla, a much-loved and respected doctor at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, sadly passed away at the hospital following treatment for Covid-19. Dr Atalla became a full-time member of our Trust in 2014, when he was appointed as a Consultant Geriatrician on our Gresley Unit. We were fortunate to have worked with him for many years prior to this, since his arrival in the United Kingdom in the early 2000s, where he cared for many elderly patients in hospitals throughout the North of England. A hugely popular and respected colleague, Dr Atalla was a very special human being who practised medicine across three continents throughout his career, affecting the lives of so many in such a positive way. He was a truly gentle gentleman and he is hugely missed by us all. Our thoughts continue to be with Dr Atalla’s brother and sister and loved ones in Egypt.

Lorraine Butterfield

Last November we were deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden and unexpected passing of our much-loved colleague, Lorraine Butterfield. A Registered Nurse of many years’ experience, Lorraine was a familiar face within our Emergency Department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, and made such a huge difference to the countless patients she cared for since joining our Trust in 2004. Colleagues who worked closely with Lorraine describe her as a hugely warm, kind and joyous person, who always had a smile for everyone she came across, as well as an ever-extended helping hand for those in need. To Lorraine’s family we shared our collective thoughts, condolences and sympathies and they continue to be in our thoughts today. Lorraine touched so many lives both in her native South Africa as well as within Doncaster, the town which she made her home. She is missed desperately.

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