Can you believe we are almost in the middle of May?
It’s a Bank Holiday today and the first time ever that the Spring Bank Holiday has been celebrated on Friday and not a Monday. Today is the 75th Anniversary of VE Day and how sad that yet another joyful occasion is muted because of ‘lockdown’. Plans for street parties and concerts are again shelved, but that should not stop us from reflecting on the enormity of what VE Day means, and remembering those who lost their lives. And hopefully, there may be some sunshine today and over the weekend. Here in ELHT we will be having afternoon tea – but not in the way we would really like to. We can’t gather round a table and have a sing-song, but all staff and patients can have a VE Day 75th Anniversary lunch box including cake and a cream scone!
I’ve received an email today that would suggest a perception that some staff sometimes feel ‘overlooked’ if they don’t work within the main hospital buildings. I was really sorry to read this as nothing could be further from the truth. All of our staff – every single one of them – is a highly valued member of the ELHT family. We are a team and everyone plays their part. It is really important that you all know that. Whatever you do - front line or support; wherever you are based – in the hospitals, in a different building, or in the community; whether you are clinical or non-clinical; you matter and the Trust could not provide safe, personal and effective care without you.
A lovely thing happened yesterday…….we received a donation of disposable gowns (and will be receiving them regularly) made in Darwin factory Herbert Parkinson, part of the John Lewis Partnership. They were delivered by Maria on behalf of JLP and received by her daughter Kaylee, one of our nurses in critical care.
A moving tribute to the NHS and our staff in particular, was paid by branch manager Stuart McDonald. You can see this below:
Well, it’s (technically) the end of another week. Thank you for everything you are doing. Please remember to continue with the guidance to stay safe and protect the NHS. Especially, keep social distancing and don’t feel afraid to challenge colleagues in the event it slips.
Enjoy the bank holiday, and enjoy the weekend.
Kevin