Health chiefs laud staff for Christmas sacrifices
12% OF NURSES WORKING ON CHRISTMAS DAY
WHILE many of us are eating turkey or watching TV on Christmas Day, spare a thought for the people who will be spending the day at work.
Data from the Office for National Statistics has shown that 12% of all nurses are likely to be working on Christmas Day, or one in every eight.
It means that some 2,500 nurses in NHS hospitals and GP surgeries in the North East will be spending the holiday caring for others, rather than with their own family.
Around 15% of nurses will also be providing this vital service on Boxing Day, or around 3,000 in total across the North East.
Nursing is one of the few professions that sees a significant proportion of workers having to clock in on Christmas day.
Others include clergy (51%), care workers and home carers (19%), chefs (14%), security guards (11%) and police officers (10%).
Across all occupations and industries, just 3% of people in employment have to work on Christmas Day, or around one million people across the UK.
And around 5% of workers have to come in on Boxing Day, with those working in retail and sales making up a significant proportion.
“We’re hugely grateful to all our staff who will be working over the Christmas period,” said Dame Jackie Daniel, chief executive for the Newcastle Hospitals.
“Nurses, doctors, midwives, staff in radiology, pathology, portering and housekeepers – the list is endless. I would very much like to thank every single one of them for their hard work, dedication and commitment, making sure all our patients receive the very best care whenever they find themselves in hospital.”
Melanie Johnson, South Tyneside and City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trusts’ executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, said: “Our staff work extremely hard all year round, but at no time is their dedication and professionalism to providing patients with the best possible care more evident than during the festive period.
“While most people are at home enjoying precious time with their loved ones at Christmas, many of our staff will be at work in the hospital and in the community.
“It’s a real team effort, including our nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and support staff such as porters and domestic staff. The main aim is to ensure that all of our patients continue to get the care they need and I know that everyone across both of our Trusts will do everything they can to make Christmas in hospital as pleasant an experience as possible for patients and their families.
“I am very proud of each and every one of them and hope that they have a wonderful time when they do get a welldeserved break to spend with their own families and friends.” Jim Mackey, chief executive of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Christmas is a time for celebration and a chance to see loved ones. Whilst we are enjoying the festivities, it is important to remember those who cannot be at home at this time of year.
“Christmas is an extremely busy period for everyone, including the NHS, and our staff are working around the clock to give you the care you need. Care comes in all shapes and sizes and we understand this does not end when you leave hospital.
“Whether you need emergency treatment, a little extra support or care in the community we will be here for you.
“A huge thank you to all of our staff who are working over Christmas and for their efforts delivering high quality care to our patients in 2018, making the 70 year of the NHS one to remember.”
While most people are at home enjoying precious time with their loved ones at Christmas, many of our staff will be at work in the hospital and in the community
MELANIE JOHNSON