Ruth Hallam-Jones
Kevan Wylie
Dear colleagues,
I’m writing to share the very sad news that Ruth Hallam Jones passed away this morning after a long and challenging illness.
Many of us will remember Ruth with deep affection from her time as MSc course coordinator and lead nurse at the Porterbrook Clinic. She joined the team not long after I began working at our former base in Whiteley Wood, and quickly became a cornerstone of our clinical, educational, and research efforts—both locally and nationally.
Ruth was a passionate advocate for the work we did and the values we upheld. Her fierce commitment to postgraduate training was unwavering; she never hesitated to go the extra mile for a struggling trainee, and her door was always open—whether someone needed guidance or simply a quiet moment with a cup of tea. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen and supported, and her warmth was matched by a sharp wit that could lift even the most stressful days.
One moment that stands out was during a particularly hectic clinic week, when Ruth calmly reorganized the entire schedule to accommodate a last-minute emergency—without a single complaint, and with her signature dry humor that somehow made the chaos feel manageable. It was typical of her: practical, unflappable, and deeply kind. On another occasion, Ruth, David and I hired a white van and moved our service furniture and administration to our new base at Nether Edge—before sharing a takeaway in what became the clinical training room, long into the evening.
During my last visit to see her in Nottingham, Ruth shared a copy of her memoirs, The Ramblings of Ruth Hallam-Jones. It offered a rich and personal insight into the Ruth I was still discovering—her reflections, her humour, and her enduring spirit.
Ruth was deeply respected and much loved. Her absence will be felt keenly across our community. I know many of you will now be reflecting on your own memories of Ruth and the impact she had on your professional and personal lives.
Warm regards,
Kevan