Tributes have been paid to a “compassionate” interim chief nursing officer in Shropshire who died suddenly earlier this month.
Sam Young, who worked at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RJAH), died on 19 June after emergency services were called following reports of a female in cardiac arrest, a coroner has been told.
Stacey Keegan, chief executive of the specialist orthopaedic hospital trust, said the news had “come as a huge shock to colleagues across the organisation”.
She noted that Ms Young had worked at the trust for “a number of years in senior nursing positions” and had extensive senior level experience within primary, secondary and community health in Scotland, England and the military.
Ms Young was still serving as a senior officer in the British Army Reserve when she died.
“She was an excellent and supportive colleague and was proud of the work we do here and of the colleagues that deliver such exceptional care,” Ms Keegan said.
“She was held in extremely high regard by everyone at RJAH thanks to her excellent clinical knowledge, her absolute dedication to patient care, but most notably the quality of her character.
“She was a kind, fun and compassionate person. We will miss her enormously,” she Ms Keegan.
“In the coming days and weeks we will find ways to honour Sam’s legacy and celebrate her life.”
Former colleagues have also expressed their condolences following Ms Young’s death.
On memorial website Remembr, Angela Cook said: “Your warmth and humour stood out for me, bringing positivity to the workplace.
“I always marvelled at how you juggled work, your horses and military career yet always appearing calm and grounded.
“I have fond memories of working with you Sam, albeit briefly, and you were always an authentic and supportive colleague.
“You will be missed and my thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Meanwhile, Hayley Gingell, said Ms Young had a “rare fight” of blending love with leadership.
She said: “Honestly, ‘leading with love” should be its own initiative, because that’s exactly what you did.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to this week has said the same thing, you saw us as people, not just tools, and your leadership was always personal and tailored.”
Ms Gingell added: “You had this incredible way of calming the waters, whether with wisdom, encouragement, or your brilliant sense of humour.
“Your loss has left a huge hole, not just in our organisation but in our hearts.”
An inquest has been formally opened and adjourned into the death of Ms Young. It will resume on 2 October 2025.
