Publish date: 30 November 2023
We are saddened to share that Debbie Simon, tissue viability nurse specialist Knowsley, has passed away after being unwell. Deb worked in the NHS for over 40 years and across lots of teams in Knowsley, she will be sadly missed.
Debbie's funeral will take place on 8 December from 12.30pm at St Augustine Church, Castlefield, Runcorn WA7. If you are attending the service and are going back afterwards, please let jackie
Tributes from staff
I worked with Deb since starting working for the Trust four years ago. Deb was a truly passionate and committed nurse who was known and loved by all who had worked with her over the years in Knowsley. She was such an advocate for tissue viability and was instrumental in leading on improving pressure area and leg ulcer care for patients not just in Knowsley but nationally. Deb worked across many teams supporting her colleagues in developing their knowledge and skills and she was loved for the care and support she gave to her colleagues. I know some colleagues were close friends who supported her throughout her illness. She is a huge loss to Knowsley colleagues and the NHS and will be truly missed. - Claire Hammill, Head of Operations, Knowsley
She made skin, leg and pressure ulcers so interesting don’t know how she did it? I remember in my early days of district nursing explaining the layers of the skin to help us understand the layers she said if you were building a wall without all the correct foundations your wall would fall down and I never forgot this (rather than just the explanation in the skins healing process). Debbie’s training half days were so interesting you would always come away with new information or dressing to aid healing. Especially when she informed us we could safely leave dressing on for seven days and check from the outside of the dressing by the exudate. This not only cut down our work load but aided healing. Debbie always provided the best lunches pre training half days and played a massive role advising district nurses. She would come and visit a patient with you for support and advise. She will be a massive loss to Knowsley and so sadly missed! - Ann Hopkins
Deb, you were such a remarkable lady. You were so knowledgeable, such a good teacher & so helpful to us that knew a lot less. Deb, you smiled lots & remained so positive through your illness – you were such an inspiration & I am so glad our paths crossed. Heaven now has a good ‘un. We will miss you (& your home-made Coconut Ice) so very much. Debbie Duffy, Community Matron
I had the privilege of working with Deb for many years.
Debbie was a kind, thoughtful, compassionate, supportive, hardworking and dedicated to her profession. Deb achieved so much , but would never shout about it or celebrate her own success, we would have to show her how fabulous she was. Debbie always brought her passion for patient care and her specialist field of tissue viability in everything she did. Debbie over the years has achieved a great deal in her specialist field, leading to continuous improvements in the care we deliver. When I think about what I will miss the most about Debbie, the support she has given to me over the years or the work she has achieved, the bit I will miss the most is Debbie’s wonderful smile.
Debbie will be so greatly missed by us all - Debbie Tubey, Deputy Associate Director of Nursing & Patient Experience
Debbie was a wonderful caring and compassionate lady. She was passionate about all that she was involved in, she was supportive and always found the time to listen. Debs will be sadly missed - Claire Lounsbach
Debbie was such a kind, caring and enthusiastic woman. I only met her a few times when we did some face to face visits in the district nurses but I enjoyed listening to her as she was so knowledgeable. Rest in peace x - Rachael Hartley
I got to know Debbie quite well over the years working in treatment rooms and TVN link nurse. Debbie was extremely knowledgeable and professional - what a great loss to our service!! RIP debs xx - Kerry Dears
Debbie was such a lovely person and always wanted to help us in TR with endless support and knowledge.She will be greatly missed. - Penny
I worked with Debbie for years and she was such a knowledgeable lady and was very passionate about her job and the patients she will be sorely missed. - Jayne Cullen
I am writing on behalf of all Debs friends and colleagues within the tissue viability and continence team. We would like to express our sympathy at your sad loss of your wife, daughter, and mother. Deb was an extraordinary lady with a beautiful personality and a heart of gold. She was an absolute inspiration to all that met her. Deb was dedicated in her career, researching, and developing new initiatives and ways of working to enhance patient care and treatment. Deb will be sadly missed but never forgotten. - Jackie Kennedy