Town hospital staff thanked for efforts during Covid-19
Scotland’s Health Secretary and the National Clinical Director paid a visit
Scotland’s Health S e c r e t a r y wa s j o i n e d by the nation’s clinical director last week as they paid a visit to the town’s hospital.
Health Secretary Jeane F r e e m a n M S P, j o i n e d b y National Clinical Director Jason Leitch, visited the University Hospital Hairmyres to thank staff for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic and to see how the hospital has changed as services recover.
They toured different areas of the hospital, including the emergenc y department, t he intensive treatment unit and ward 10 which was used to treat patients with Covid-19.
Al o ng t he way, t he y t o o k the opportunity to speak with f rontli ne s t af f t o hear about their experience in dealing with Covid- 19 while maintaining safe services for patients.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “This is the first time I have been able to visit a hospital in a ver y long time and it was great to hear firsthand about all of the work staff did and how well they worked together to make sure patients were treated with dignity, compassion and supreme skill.
“I would like to thank all our NHS staff, whatever their role, they are so appreciated.
“As we move on to tr y and control the virus, and to stop it spreading in the community, o u r h e a l t h s t a f f r e ma i n a s important and valued as they every have been.”
Elma Whyte, senior charge nurse in ward 10, spoke about t he vi s i t , s he s ai d: “It was a pleasure to meet Jason Leitch and Jeane Freeman.
“We really appreciate t hat t hey t ook t he t i me t o c ome to Hairmyres and ward 10 in particular to speak with us.
“I am so proud of the team in ward 10 and the extraordinary efforts we have put in during the pandemic.
“From making sure we kept family and fr iends informed about their loved ones by making phone calls and organising video calls to making sure our ward was as safe as it could possibly be; not one staff member on our ward caught Covid-19.”
Jason Leitch, speaking about his visit to the hospital where staff have treated many during the pandemic, said: “What a wonderful privilege it has been to come and visit Hairmyres and meet some of the staff who have been very busy during the pandemic.
“It has been terrific to hear the individual personal stories of how staff stepped up and what they did differently and they changes that were made which are going to be maintained.
“It was also interesting to hear about some of the challenges faced with treating patients.
“This resil i ence f rom st aff is one of the most important t hings we are going t o need going into the winter where this virus will still be around.
“Thanks to all our NHS staff for what they did over the last few months.”