The Managing Director of George Eliot hospital has spoken out following the death of Cllr Dawn Downes calling her "a great force for positivity, change and engagement."

Cllr Downes, a Theatre Nurse at George Eliot and Secretary of the UNISON Branch there, passed away last Thursday in hospital.

A wave of memories and tributes to Cllr Downes have been shared across social media since the announcement was made.

Managing Director of George Eliot Hospital, David Eltringham said: "Dawn will be very sadly missed by all at the George Eliot Hospital.

"She was a great force for positivity, change and engagement - always coming from a position of kindness and consideration towards her colleagues and always looking to make sure we all had the best experience and opportunities possible.

"As a staunch supporter of the George Eliot Hospital, her impact and work in her many roles with the Trust helped to build a better hospital for us all.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends and we ask that their privacy is respected at this devastating time."