HOSPITAL staff have paid tribute to a ‘ kind-hearted’ and ‘well-loved’ healthcare worker who died earlier this month.

Jennifer Gray, who worked at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, died on April 1.

Jenny joined the Trust about five years ago, initially as a bank health care assistant and later working as part of the ‘Transfer Team’, assisting with the safe movement of patients and their belongings around the hospital.

It was in this role that Jenny really found her niche and she was delighted when she was offered a contract as a permanent member of staff.

Although her main role was the safe transferring of patients, she was always willing to lend a hand on ward areas throughout the hospital, as and when she was needed.

Jenny’s enthusiasm, friendly nature and kind heart soon made her well known across the hospital and she quickly became affectionately known as ‘Jenny from the block’ or ‘Transfer Jen’.

Although Jenny officially worked across the wards and departments across West Cumberland Hospital she held a special place in the hearts of the staff on EAU, Site coordinators and the Portering team with whom she worked the closest.

When Jenny married her long-term partner Jason, a surprise ‘hen party’ was organised on EAU with many staff coming in on their days off to celebrate with her.

Jenny was moved to tears and had an enjoyable shift with a glass of 'nosecco' wearing her ‘Bride to be’ sash.

Jenny’s line manager, Andrea Tomlinson, said: “I had the pleasure to manage Jenny for the last couple of years alongside the site coordination team and myself and the team are so greatly upset to learn of her passing.

"Jenny’s kindness, infectious laugh and humour brought light into the work place. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all that knew her.

"On behalf everyone at the West Cumberland Hospital we extend our deepest condolences to Jason and Imogen."

Kevin Moore, team leader for the portering team said: "On behalf of the porters at WCH I would just like pass on our sincere condolences – Jenny was a person the porters had a lot of time for and brightened up many a day.

“All porters who worked with Jenny always had a good rapport with her and appreciated the banter that took place, she was an integral part of the team, a pleasure to work alongside and fondly remembered by all in the department."

EAU’s ward manager, Nichola Mitchinson, said: “We are all devastated to hear about the death of our Jenny. She always greeted people with a big smile and a warm exchange - always remembering details about their lives. She was such an important part of our EAU family and will be a huge miss.

"We are grateful for the compassionate care that she received from our colleagues on ITU and for the kind messages from across the hospital. She was well loved.”

A memory board and book of condolence is available on EAU and the flag has been flying at half-mast as a sign of respect.