Published on: 22 April 2020
It is with deep sadness that Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust confirms the loss of a highly valued and inspirational Counsellor.
Ann Shepherd had worked in mental health services across D​erbyshire for the last 26 years. She was 80 years old and lived in Leicester. Ann had underlying health conditions and contracted COVID-19 before she sadly died in hospital earlier this week.
Ifti Majid, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Ann was a wonderful colleague, held in very high esteem by all she worked with. She was truly devoted to her work and her patients and was inspirational in her field.
“She was also a phenomenal character, full of colour and sparkle.
“Ann always made time for members of her team. I understand that even after her provisional diagnosis of COVID-19 Ann would call to check if colleagues were ok and if they needed any support.
“Ann was a true professional, who touched the lives of many. She made a tremendous difference to a lot of people’s lives and she was highly respected by patients and colleagues alike.
Ann is a very sad loss to the Trust and those she worked alongside at Moir Medical Centre. My thoughts are with Ann’s family, her many friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”
Ann’s colleagues at Moir Medical Centre have also expressed how valued Ann was as a member of their team, saying:
“The team at Moir Medical Centre is deeply saddened by the loss of Ann. Based at the Moir Medical Centre for over 26 years Ann was an integral and highly regarded member of our team.
“Ann was more than a work colleague. Her support for other members of the practice team and her contribution to life within the practice were outstanding. She could always be relied upon for honest and compassionate advice for patients and staff.
“She had a huge impact on her patients who would speak favourably of their treatment with her for years afterwards. Her enthusiasm for her work was an inspiration to all. She will be sincerely missed.”
Our thoughts and condolences are with Ann’s family, friends and colleagues.
We ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.
