TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular long-serving senior healthcare assistant at a Bradford hospital who has died suddenly.

Patricia Hardaker, known as Patsy, worked in the emergency department of Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) for more than 20 years.

Former patients and those who worked with her at BRI have paid touching tributes to her on social media.

BRI's emergency department announced the tragic news in a tweet which said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of one of our beloved colleagues Patsy.

“Patsy was one of a kind and the most caring of people we are all absolutely heartbroken and send her family our deepest condolences.”

Many people shared their own tributes to Patsy. 

One person wrote: “Such a lovely character in the department loved by all including us all within the ambulance service.

“I'll always be grateful when she looked after my mum nearly five years ago when she was admitted. RIP Patsy we will miss you.”

Another person tweeted: “There are no words - a beautiful woman inside and out.

“Kept me on the straight and narrow from being a junior doc to where I am now.

“Absolutely devastated. She has made a difference to so many lives!“

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Patricia Hardaker worked in the emergency department at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI)Patricia Hardaker worked in the emergency department at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) (Image: Newsquest)

Another person wrote: “Incredible nurse who treated everyone the same with kindness and respect. One in a million. Department will never be the same. Sleep well Patsy you deserve a rest now.”

Another person posted in tribute: “Absolutely devastating news…it’s never going to be the same walking through those ambulance doors without her stood there.

“Kindest person, mum of the department and heart of gold and she was so proud of her family and kids. RIP Patsy.”

Professor Mel Pickup, chief executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, also paid a glowing tribute to Patsy. 

She said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our colleague, Patricia ‘Patsy’ Hardaker, senior healthcare assistant, who passed away suddenly.

“Patsy had worked in our Emergency Department (ED) at Bradford Royal Infirmary for over 20 years.

“She was a well-respected and much-loved member of the ED family, and will be sadly missed by her colleagues.

“She had an amazing gift for caring for patients, especially patients who were vulnerable and needing extra support, and always supported her colleagues in good times and bad times.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Patsy’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

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