A medical secretary has collapsed and died at Kent and Canterbury Hospital despite frantic efforts to revive her.

Staff fought in vain to resuscitate Dawn Daking-Simons, who was said to be the "mainstay" of the neurology department where she had worked for many years.

Her boss, consultant Dr Nick Moran, has now praised her long and dedicated service to the unit, where she had recently been promoted to senior secretary.

Yesterday afternoon many colleagues attended a memorial service in the hospital chapel and a book of remembrance to her was opened.

Dr Moran said: "Dawn passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 2 while at work. Extensive resuscitation was carried out but, unfortunately, it was not successful."

"Dawn was a familiar character around the hospital, hugely popular at all levels..." - Dr Nick Moran

Said to be hugely popular in the hospital with both staff and patients, Ms Daking-Simons lived in Wincheap and is not thought to have close family.

Paying tribute to her, Dr Moran said: "Dawn was a mainstay of the neurology department. Many of us turned to Dawn for help with new developments and problems.

"We have received many compliments from patients who she had lent an understanding and patient ear to on the telephone.

"The neurology department has expanded greatly in the last few years and Dawn was at the forefront of this, supporting new consultants and junior neurology staff and organisational changes.

"We have received many touching comments from former junior neurology staff members.

"Dawn was a familiar character around the hospital, hugely popular at all levels."

Dr Moran added: "She had a great penchant for shoes and spent many a Saturday hunting down bargain high heels.

"As well as shopping therapy, Dawn was a voracious reader of novels.

"We will all miss her greatly and wish to proudly acknowledge the great contribution she made to neurology, the trust and the NHS."

No date has yet been set for her funeral.