We would like to pay tribute to Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) group member Della who has sadly passed away from breast cancer. Della was an integral member of our NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce PPIE group for five years. Della was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago and since then had devoted time to raising awareness and improving services, especially for minority groups.

Della had been involved in all aspects of our PPIE work and had contributed to a range of health and social care workforce studies, the findings of which were reported to our funders the Department of Health and Social Care. She had been involved in developing proposals, commenting on research instruments and discussing arising findings on topics. These included the ethical implications of international recruitment of nurses, understanding the impact of the new UK Health and Care Visa system for international care workers, and developing workforce race equality standards in social care.

We will remember Della for her enthusiasm, positivity, and thoughtful insights. Her joyful approach was inspirational and the group will not be the same without her.

Our thoughts are with Della’s family and friends.