Family of Sheffield coronavirus victim thank 'amazing' hospital staff

Leonard Gibson was 78

Author: Ben BasonPublished 18th Mar 2020

The daughters of a 'kind loving generous' pensioner from Sheffield who died after contacting coronavirus have thanked the staff at the Northern General Hospital for his care.

78 year old Leonard Gibson , who lived in sheltered accommodation in Oughtibridge, had the lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and had finished a course of antibiotics after feeling unwell for a few days.

He was admitted to the Northern General on Saturday where he tested positive for Covid 19. He passed away yesterday.

His daughters, Lisa Broughton and Michelle Lenton, described him as "kind, loving, generous, crazy and fun loving - a jolly Irish man who made everyone smile".

They've thanked the staff who cared for him in a statement:

“They dealt with us sensitively and efficiently and we felt constantly reassured by their kind words.

"We have nothing but praise for the NHS and our dad’s treatment, especially the kindness that everyone showed us. They really went the extra mile for dad and our family.

"For example when we could not be there in person, we rang lots of times to see how he was. Even though they were probably very busy, every member of staff took time to talk to us in detail but more importantly they made sure dad knew each time that we had phoned and that we had said we loved him. A small thing but so important to us at that time.”

The family have also urged people to take notice of the latest advice from Public Health England:

“At a time like this, community spirit, kindness and vigilance are more important than ever to make sure we get through this outbreak. Everyone should listen to the advice we are being given and take this seriously.”

For the latest on the coronavirus situation across South Yorkshire, listen to Hallam FM here.