Hello everyone. Happy Friday! Or is it? Things are so odd.
Well, if anything was going to lift our spirits this week, it was the astonishing public show of support for the NHS and care workers in Thursday’s clap along. I can’t be the only one who didn’t quite know what to expect or how important this would prove to be to people. But WOW! It was so emotional to see that outpouring of support and appreciation. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took the time to join in. It was a truly wonderful moment. Some of our executive and senior management team were filmed applauding to show their support for our staff and you can see that here. Operations Director Sharon Gilligan and I had a walk around RBTH on Wednesday and I was struck by the positive vibe, determination and morale I encountered. I honestly found this incredibly impressive and very humbling. Thank you, everyone.
There have been many examples of us as a Trust receiving gifts and support for staff from our local community. We’ve had Easter eggs, chocolates, cakes, KFC, fruit and today, hand cream, to name just a few. But we’ve also had 50 luxury motor homes, two microwaves and a coffee machine with 600 pods! Next week, the motor homes will be worth their weight in gold as they accommodate our hard working staff who cannot go home to their families and loved ones, enabling them to keep working but stay in comfort, right on our doorstep. If you’re reading this and wondering how you can support your local hospitals and our wonderful staff – look no further than our own charity, ELHT&Me. We can take delivery of a range of goods that will help our staff enormously in these difficult times. This must be arranged in advance through the charity , as access to our hospitals is now severely restricted to reflect government guidance on reducing people’s movement and social distancing. Of course, you may wish to donate cash and this is also most welcome. Go to www.elht.nhs.uk/charity for more information on how you can help.
These are very challenging times, and working in them is demanding and stressful. Your safety, health and wellbeing really matters to us. I hope that some of the measures we have taken have made things a little easier – free food, free parking and some staff support, as well as the aforementioned gifts and support from our communities. However, I am delighted that our spiritual care team are also on hand to provide an additional supportive resource if you need it. The spiritual care centre will also be open during the day for staff to attend if they want, for quiet reflection, conversation and if required, a little prayer. Thank you to Andrew, David and the team.
If you can, rest at the weekend – I think we are all going to need all of our energy as we progress through this. And if you are working, thank you.
Everybody, take every opportunity to share the important advice to everyone you know – stay home, wash your hands, stay two metres away from people.
Stay safe, and best wishes.
Martin Hodgson