‘Beloved’ medic who spent four decades at Doncaster Royal Infirmary dies from coronavirus

Kevin Smith, a ‘beloved’ plaster technician at the hospital, is believed to be the first member of staff within the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals Teaching Hospitals Trust, to die after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Mr Smith died at the hospital where he had worked for nearly four decades. He was responsible for applying casts to patients with broken limbs.

Richard Parker, Chief Executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “I am utterly heartbroken to share the news that Kevin Smith, a well-respected and hugely popular member of our team, has sadly passed away following a brief, but courageous, battle with Covid-19.

“A plaster technician at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and a valued member of the team for over 35 years, Kev, as he was known to friends and colleagues, was renowned for his warm personality, diligence and compassion.

“He will be missed beyond all measure by everyone at the Trust.

“I am incredibly thankful to colleagues who cared for Kevin, and for their tireless efforts during this time.

“As an organisation, we share our collective thoughts, condolences and deepest sympathies with Kevin’s wife, Diane, and their loved ones, and we are asking the media to respect the wishes of the family for privacy during this truly difficult time.”

Yesterday, it was announced that a well-known Doncaster musician had also died after contracting coronavirus.

Tributes have flooded in for Paul Piercy, a member of renowned town rock band Stafford Galli.

In Doncaster, 31 people have died from a total of 183 cases.