In November 2007, Shelley deemed Donna one of "Holby City" few "really good, realistic, characters". He named Peters' casting as Donna's father his "Worst TV moment of the year" in 2009, however found their relationship "deeply moving". Donna's farewell speech to Derek was again called moving by both a reviewer for the "Liverpool Daily Post", and Simon, though she had previously despaired at Donna's optimism despite Derek's terminal prognosis. The following year, "What's on TV" named Donna one of their favourite characters, praising her for taking a stance against Director of Surgery Henrik Hanssen (Guy Henry) in defence of her fellow nurses. Harper considered Donna "one of the most popular and iconic "Holby" characters ever".