Tributes paid to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals staff member who died from Covid-19 aged 60

Jenny Stone, who had just celebrated her 60th birthday, had recently transferred to the trust’s facilities department after working at Chesterfield Royal Hospital for almost 30 years.

She died in hospital in Chesterfield on Saturday, February 6 and leaves three children - James, Lorna and Jake - a one year-old grandson, Bobby, and siblings David, Paul and Sue.

Angie Smithson, Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s chief executive, said she was ‘so sad’ to have to make such an upsetting announcement.

She said: “Everyone I have spoken to remembers Jenny as kind and caring. She truly was a warm genuine person with a bubbly and positive personality.

“She would always have time for a chat, to check if you were ‘ok’ and she was always smiling. She always worked incredibly hard and made a real difference.

“Her commitment to the NHS was outstanding and she helped to make sure that support services were of an exceptional quality for all our patients.

“She was a very familiar face and people across our organisation will really miss her as both a work colleague and a valued friend.”

Jenny had actually left Chesterfield Royal Hospital only very recently to join Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and had quickly become a valued and appreciated member of the team.

Away from work she loved being with family and friends, socialising and Northern Soul music events.

At Jenny’s own request, donations in lieu of flowers at her funeral will be made to the Chesterfield Royal Charity – a gesture which Ms Smithson said ‘completely summed up her thoughtful nature’.

Her family have set up a Just Giving page on the internet where donations can be made at https://bit.ly/3p0xb5Z.

“We are so grateful that at this sad time they have taken the time to show others such support,” added Ms Smithson.

More than 300 people have now died at Chesterfield Royal Hospital with coronavirus while in Sheffield, over 1,000 people have now passed away with Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.