DUDLEY hospital staff lined the street in a poignant roadside tribute to popular clinical support worker Julie Jones who passed away having suffered with Covid-19.

Chief executive Diane Wake, chairman Yve Buckland and executive colleagues joined the tribute to Julie Jones, a much-loved and respected colleague, who had worked at Russells Hall Hospital for more than 30 years.

Dudley News: Staff line the street outside Russells Hall Hospital in memory of Julie JonesStaff line the street outside Russells Hall Hospital in memory of Julie Jones

Julie, who leaves four children - Steven, Richard, Melvin and Rachel, and 10 grandchildren, had been ill for several months and passed away with coronavirus, a spokesman for the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust said.

Her family, friends and colleagues have been left shocked and saddened by her death and her daughter-in-law Lindsey Wood, who works for the trust as a district nurse, said: "Julie was amazing woman, funny and always up for a laugh. She was a wonderful person. I loved her to bits.”

Dudley News: Julie JonesJulie Jones

Staff lined the street as the funeral procession for Julie went past the hospital yesterday morning (Tuesday February 15) ahead of her funeral service which was held at 11.30am.

Dudley News: Staff lined the street as the funeral procession for Julie Jones went past the hospital where she workedStaff lined the street as the funeral procession for Julie Jones went past the hospital where she worked

Trust chief executive Diane Wake thanked everyone who paid tribute to Julie, describing her as "one of our beloved family" and she added: "My heartfelt and deepest condolences go out to Julie's family."

Julie began her career as a domestic for Interserve in 1989 before moving to the role of cleanliness support worker in 2012. From there she went on to being a wellbeing worker on C3 and then a clinical support worker on C8.

Lindsey added: “The staff on C8 have been so good to us as a family and have been messaging me with their support."