THIS week we held our monthly Board meeting and I wanted to give staff an update on some of the issues we discussed.
Firstly I wanted to make sure I pass on my thanks, on behalf of the Board to all staff for your continued efforts throughout this Covid-19 pandemic. We fully realise this has been going on for a few months now and the figures show that it is set to be around for some time yet. We have all been amazed and humbled by the work you have all done and we cannot thank everyone enough for everything you have done to look after our patients.
One of the things that has really impressed the Board is the different ways of working that people have adapted. We actually held the meeting on Microsoft Teams once again and that is something I know has seen a fantastic take up over the past few months. We heard of other changes such as the use of technology to undertake appointments with patients so they don’t have to come into the hospital or clinic setting that has been well received.
We talked about the plans to start bringing more and more work back over the next few months and the need to run Covid and non-Covid services which is important. But the plea from the Board is to maintain the transformation work that has gone on and the stay focused on how we can further streamline our services not just now but for the future as well.
One of the main topics we discussed was the plans for the Emergency Village and development of critical care services. The Covid situation has actually provided us with some good ideas on how we can further develop these plans for the future and I am hoping we can bring you some more news soon on the progress of the development.
Welcome boost for our Blue Skies charity
A FEW weeks ago we were all left in awe of Colonel, now Sir, Tom Moore, who raised almost £33M for the NHS with his fundraising efforts just prior to his 100th birthday.
Colonel Tom raised the money for NHS Charities Together, a national membership organisation representing, supporting and championing NHS Charities across the UK, and I am delighted to see that the Trust’s Blue Skies charity was one of the four local trusts to benefit with a share of an incredible £355,500 donation.
We’ve received £79,000 worth of grants which is fantastic news. So far, we’ve used some of these funds to equip “wobble rooms” with items to make them a relaxing space for staff to use. From tea and coffee to radios and LED candles, we’re doing all we can to support staff wellbeing during this difficult time. We’ve also been able to purchase toiletries to put together care packs for staff and buy material to make extra scrubs.
Staff in the Blue Skies charity have done an amazing job supporting staff over the last few weeks. They have facilitated and distributed the countless donations we have received and I can’t thank them enough for their efforts.
Like all charities their day to day work has been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and I would urge all staff to consider how they can help them raise funds in the future. They money they raise goes back into patient care in our hospitals so please support them when you can.