A message from Trish Armstrong Child, our Chief Executive:

“This week marks the 72nd birthday of the NHS.

Birthdays are an opportunity to reflect on the year that has been and also an opportunity for us to recognise the contribution that we make in life.

No one could have ever imagined the events that have unfolded over recent months and there is not a single person working in the NHS today who has experienced anything close to it.

At the height of the pandemic, every day we witnessed amazing acts of kindness. When we recognised and acknowledged them, the response from individuals and teams was ‘I’m just doing my job’. It was very clear that it was so much more than that.

There are so many acts of kindness that I can recall but the most important thing I want to acknowledge is, there is not a single person in the NHS who has not had a part to play.

I am so proud of everyone at this Trust who truly went above and beyond in such challenging circumstances. From our clinical teams to our support teams, each and every one has made such a valuable contribution. For our staff who were forced to shield, they have continued to work from home and our IT teams who have worked tirelessly to ensure we had the infrastructure for staff to be able to do this. Our brilliant porters, estates, maintenance, domestic staff and catering teams ensured we were able to work in safe and clean environments.

And to our patients and their families who had to cope with such challenging situations – thank you for your support, patience and faith in us.

Finally, thank you to the other key workers – sometimes forgotten but equally deserving – shop workers, bus, train, taxi and delivery drivers – all playing a vital role in helping our staff to keep going.

I also want to remember those that sadly lost their lives to Covid-19, including our own nurse Josephine Peter. We will in time create a lasting memorial to mark the losses felt by so many.

I will always remember that during this most challenging of times, our first reaction was one of kindness and a deep desire to help. On Sunday 5 July at 5pm, I hope to see many of our staff and community for one last clap of thanks.”