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There is no doubt that 2020 has been the most challenging year in NHS
history, but as a Trust we met Covid-19 head on despite the fear,
trepidation and anxiety many of our staff felt in the early months as we
stepped into the unknown.
In the last year we have cared for more than 1,500 Covid-19 positive
patients with commitment, and continued and sustained hard work which has
unfailing. I have been humbled and inspired, time after time, to see staff
dedication to our patients, as well as their compassion, warmth and
friendship to each other when they needed it most.
It’s been a difficult and exhausting year, and many of our staff are
understandably tired. The past months have been a challenging times for us
all, and emotional and physical exhaustion and the pain of loss is felt
throughout the Trust. Some staff have had to work long shifts in full PPE,
some have had to adapt to different roles, some have had to shield and some
have had to work from home. In doing so, they have all displayed strength,
spirit, courage and at times sheer tenacity, which has seen us through. I
couldn’t have asked more from our staff; I thank them all.
In terms of services we have adapted, changed, innovated and stepped up to
deliver services in ways that a year ago would have seemed simply
impossible.
The unprecedented challenge we faced would have been made all but impossible
without the help, support and generosity of countless individuals,
organisations, local businesses and the wider community.
Throughout the year we have been overwhelmed with tremendous offers of
support and kindness - from local schools and companies making or
contributing visors and clips, an army of people sewing scrubs, donations of
technology to keep patients in touch with loved ones, toiletries for the
essential staff care boxes, to continuous supplies of food arriving in our
hospitals during the first wave. It’s been invaluable help which
continuously reinforced that we would get through this pandemic together.
There will be no let up for the NHS in 2021 and we can be certain that the
next 12 months will be another demanding year as the Covid-19 vaccination
programme starts in earnest. But we have to look to 2021 with some optimism
as the Covid-19 vaccination starts in earnest and I am clear that just like
this year we will continue to meet these challenges head on.
Simon Morritt
Chief Executive
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