Time to Reflect
The bravery and dedication of our NHS staff has been marked this week in the run-up to the 72nd anniversary of the health service they remembered the virus victims during a two-minute silence
The bravery and dedication of Scarborough’s NHS staff has been marked this week as the country prepares to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the health service.
Having endured more than 100 days of coronavirus, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been holding a week of reflection of the impact the pandemic has had on its workers.
It has included remembering all those who have lost their lives.
They include consultant physician at Scarborough Hospital, Dr Abdel Wahab Babiker, who died in May, aged 70, after receiving treatment for coronavirus, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Advanced Emergency Medical Technician from Scarborough who died in April after contracting the virus.
On Tuesday, Scarborough Hospital staff gathered outside for a two-minute silence to reflect on the turbulence of the last few months.
Hospital Chaplain Louise Grosberg said: “For staff, patients and relatives, Covid-19 has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but unlike a fairground ride it has been unremitting and at times felt as if it is never ending.
“Emotional exhaustion and the pain of loss is being felt throughout the Trust. While we have a whole range of wellbeing initiatives to support staff, the week of reflection has been organised to help people acknowledge how they feel.
“Their courage getting up each day and keeping going, combined with the anxiety for their own family during this time, has affected everyone, from the most senior to the most junior of staff.”
Workers have been offered extra support and drop-in psychological wellbeing sessions, and a reflective art exhibition has been in place in hospital corridors.
The week of reflection culminates on Sunday with the 72nd anniversary of the NHS, when a national final clap will take place at 5pm.
In an open letter, Chief Executive of the Trust Simon Morritt and Chair Sue Syminton said this year has seen the NHS stepping up in ways that have never been seen before.
“Covid-19 presents the NHS with arguably the greatest challenge it has faced since its creation,” they wrote.
“However, our health service, through our skilled and dedicated staff, is renowned for the way that it responds to adversity.”
There have been no deaths from patients with coronavirus reported at Scarborough Hospital since June 19, and there have been 223 people discharged after testing positive for the virus.
According to latest Government figures, there have been 314 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the borough.
Outside of the Trust, data from the Office for National Statistics released on Tuesday show there was one death in a care home from coronavirus in the week ending June 19.
But two more care homes across the borough have reported a coronavirus outbreak, government statistics reveal, meaning 18 out of 57 care establishments have seen a suspected or confirmed Covid-19 outbreak since March 9.