Wonderful NHS staff meet virus challenge
There is no doubt that 2020 has been the most challenging year in NHS history.
Over the last few months the NHS has stepped up in ways never seen before to deliver services differently, recruit thousands more staff, returners and volunteers and even build hospitals to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The NHS, and indeed our trust, could not have achieved this without the commitment and skills of all our people, whose professionalism, and continued and sustained hard work has been unfailing despite the most difficult and challenging circumstances.
We are humbled and inspired to see their dedication to our patients, as well as their compassion, warmth and friendship to one another. Their work is truly recognised, respected and valued.
But the unprecedented challenge facing us would have been made all but impossible without the help, support and generosity of countless individuals, organisations, local businesses and the wider community.
We have been overwhelmed with tremendous offers of support and kindness – from local schools and companies making or contributing visors and clips, an army of people sewing scrubs, donations of technology to keep patients in touch with loved ones, toiletries for the essential staff care boxes, to continuous supplies of food arriving in our hospitals.
From the hundreds of thank you notes, rainbow posters for our calm rooms, knitted hearts, to the #ClapForCarers, we cannot express how much we have appreciated all these kind gestures of support.
Nor can we forget our own hospital charity, which through generous donations from our local communities, has been able to fund so many items which have supported staff welling and improved patient experience during these difficult weeks and months.
Everybody across the country is being urged to mark the anniversary of the founding of the NHS on Sunday, July 5.
At 5pm we will come together as a nation for one final clap which will be an opportunity to thank not just NHS staff and other essential workers, but all those who continue to work so hard to support each other and sustain Britain’s communities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
It will also be an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives and a national moment of appreciation for the social connections that have kept the country going through such adversity.
Simon Morritt, Chief Executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS
Foundation Trust
“Even a simple thank you goes a long way”
SIMON MORRITT