Health Board pays tribute to inspirational nurse leader

It is with great sadness that Hywel Dda University Health Board confirms the recent death of Mrs Carol Cotterell, Assistant Director of Nursing based at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, on 13^th December 2020.

Mrs Cotterell was a much respected and admired colleague within the health board and the NHS during throughout her remarkable nursing career.

Mandy Rayani, Director of Nursing, Quality & Patient Experience said: “On behalf of the health board I offer my heartfelt condolences to Mrs Cotterell’s family at this difficult time.

“I first met Mrs Cotterell in 1988 when she was a senior nurse and over the decades she demonstrated time and time again the character, professionalism and compassion that ensured the best standards of care for patients. This ethos had a lasting impact on all who knew her and worked with her.”

“Carol’s achievements and contribution to the NHS, her colleagues and patients over many years have been outstanding and will not be forgotten. She will be particularly remembered for her dedication to healthcare, her unstinting advice and guidance to colleagues, and her involvement with the League of Friends over many years, particularly at Prince Philip Hospital and Glangwili General Hospital. As well as her many outstanding professional attainments, Mrs Cotterell was also directly involved with the recruitment and support of Filipino nurses to west Wales and her interest in their career pathway and personal support never waned.”

Maria Battle, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Mrs Cotterell’s reputation stretched across Wales and beyond. We send our sincerest condolences to her family and colleagues and give thanks for her dedicated and outstanding service to so many.”

Colleagues wishing to share a personal message of thanksgiving can email their message to Loved.Forever.HDD@wales.nhs.uk and they will be included in a remembrance book to be shared with Mrs Cotterell’s family. The funeral cortege will pass by Prince Philip Hospital before the funeral on the morning of Thursday 31^st December. While a moment of silence is traditional on such occasions, Mrs Cotterell’s family believe that applause would be a suitable way to celebrate her life. People are respectfully reminded to maintain social distancing at all times.