Hello everyone. It is so good to be back at work.
Three weeks ago I was hit by the virus. And I say hit, because that was how I felt, like I’d been physically hit by a truck – but more of trucks later! Having spoken with other colleagues who have recovered, it seems the norm for the virus. At first I was unwell but coping ok, but as the days passed I just couldn’t shake the very high temperature. I had all the well documented symptoms of aches and pains, tiredness and temperature, which I am glad to say, have now gone, but it was a real struggle to get over the feeling of exhaustion and weakness in the last week of recovery. I’m almost feeling back to ‘normal’ now.
Amid all the anxieties, lockdowns and the unpleasant stockpiling of food, it has been easy to ignore the fact that more than 86% of people who have contracted the virus, like me, have recovered. My heart goes out to those families who have sadly lost loved ones, and to the increasing number of health care workers who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. At 11am on Tuesday 28 April - International Workers Memorial Day - we will all have the opportunity to pay our respects by observing a minute’s silence. Every year, all around the world, trade unions, organisations and colleagues unite to remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and disease. This year, I’m sure; it will be even more poignant while we are still in the shadow of the pandemic. There will be more information about how we will be taking part, so please watch out for information, and if you are able, please take the time to reflect and remember those lost lives.
One of the burning topics throughout the COVID-19 incident has been regarding personal protective equipment (PPE). I am so pleased to report, that whilst at first there were some uncertainties and blockages in the supply chain, we now have no issues with our stock levels and have enough PPE for all staff who need it. However, we do still keep receiving reports of people misusing it by not wearing it correctly, or wearing the wrong PPE for the situation. There is full and detailed guidance on the correct usage of PPE on our dedicated SharePoint site. I urge you to refer to this in the first instance, and never to rely on information from social media under any circumstance.
Managing our PPE levels has been incredibly difficult, so I’d like to give a big shout out to our Procurement Team who, working across three acute Trusts, has been making sure we have received a steady stream of the PPE we need. Each day they prepare and report on our stock levels giving assurances and updates. And as we are part of the Lancashire Procurement Cluster (Lancashire Teaching Hospital Trust, Blackpool Teaching Hospital Trust and us) we have mutual agreement to support each other, which guarantees our combined workforce is protected while caring for all our patients. Thank you!
And finally, yesterday we had a wonderful day of appreciation showered upon us. During the day Blackburn with Darwen council painted a fabulous message on the road outside the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital site.
And at night, as part of the #ClapforCarers we had a convoy of trucks at Clitheroe Community Hospital. The police approved Clitheroe Truck Run, which involved over 60 lorries displaying messages and signs of support and gratitude to the NHS, was organised by Craig Booth from Dugdale Nutrition. Craig’s initial target to raise £1,000 for ELHT&Me has been smashed, with the current total being £3,673! How fantastic is that. Members of our Communications Team and Fundraising Team were on hand to take photos and footage of the event. And of course Elmore was there too, he even helped to direct traffic! Visit the ELHT&Me Face Book page to see the footage and images.
This leaves me just one more thing to say; thank you. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us through generous donations, heartfelt messages and by staying home and safe. Together we can get through this!
Stay safe and well everyone, and if you are able to, I hope you enjoy the weekend ahead.
Martin,
Deputy Chief Executive