Watch the moving tribute Doncaster hospital workers paid to NHS hero Kevin Smith who died from coronavirus

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

Dozens of Doncaster Royal Infirmary staff and emergency workers gathered around the entrance to the hospital’s casualty department, and at windows and balconies, all round the site to pay tribute with applause.

Some carried A4 cards bearing a messge in tribute to Kevin, who put plaster casts on broken limbs for four decades. Ambulance crews sounded their sirens in tribute.

Kevin’s family were present for the show of feeling by the hospital staff.

A spokesman for the hospital described the scene as emotional and said: “On Easter Sunday, we lost a friend and colleague, Kevin Smith, after a brief but courageous battle with Covid-19.

“Colleagues celebrated his life today at 2pm, applauding a wonderful person who gave almost four decades caring for others. Kevin looked after countless patients during his career and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the trust. Simply put, he was Doncaster's very best pot man, and there won't be a single day that will go by without us thinking of him. Thank you Kevin and sleep tight.

“We were honoured to be joined by Diane Smith, as we applauded her husband, Kevin, outside of his place of work at the Fracture Clinic at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. As a valued member of our team, Kevin cared for thousands of patients during his career which spanned almost four decades. He will be sorely missed by us all.”

David Purdue said, director or nursing at the trust, said: “On this very sad day, we’d like to send our sincere condolences to the famiy of Kevin Smith, his wife, Diane, daughter Ellie, and son Gareth. and on behalf of the trust, we send them our best wishes, and the thoughts of all members of staff are with them today.”

One member of staff who worked with him said absolutely everyone loved Kevin. “They would come and say you potted my granddaughter, or you potted my mum, or you potted me when I was a kid,” she said

Richard Parker, chief Executive at Doncaster and the trust,had previously described himself as utterly heartbroken at sharing the news od Mr Smith’s death, describing him as a well-respected and hugely popular member the team, who was renowned for his warm personality, diligence and compassion.

Others also paid tribute around the borough. Trumpeter Damian Bell played We’ll Meet Again at his Doncaster home, and said it was dedicated to Kevin.

Alanda Mercer said on social media: “We went out with our pans and spoons and we banged them so loud. As we did we shouted ‘this is for you Kevin, thank you’ at the top of our voices.

“I only met him twice but a lovely caring and professional man. Condolences to his family.”

It was one of many tributes online to Mr Smith placed on the Doncaster Royal Infirmary’s Facebook page.

Zak Allsopp added: “Think Doncaster should rename the fracture clinic in honour of Kevin. He was a fantastic man.”

Karen Barton said: “Such a beautiful tribute to a lovely man Kevin potted my grandsons legs for a long while.

“He will be missed by many people thoughts go out to his family and friends I went out tonight at 8pm with pan and spoon this one was for you tonight Kevin.”

Vicky Kenny added: “You guys are all amazing. He was always smiling such a happy friendly man. God bless him and his family.”

Laura Harrison said: “Will be very much missed, he was amazing with our son made him feel at ease, went above and beyond his job to help my son when he had problems with his cast. An absolute legend our thoughts are with his wife, family and loved ones.”

Kim Kim said: “Great man who we met on several occasions over the years he potted my arm three times when I was younger and potted my son’s a few times too. RIP Kevin.”

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