Stakeholder update from Chief Executive Tony Chambers: 16 December 2020 | Chief Executive’s video diary and stakeholder update

Stakeholder update from Chief Executive Tony Chambers: 16 December 2020 | Chief Executive’s video diary and stakeholder update

Stakeholder update from Chief Executive Tony Chambers: 16 December 2020

It will not have gone unnoticed that Covid-19 infection rates have been rapidly increasing across our boroughs recently and as a consequence, this is reflected in the numbers of patients we are seeing through the doors of our hospitals. Whilst we have learnt a great deal in terms of how we treat patients, the fact remains they are acutely unwell and for a significant period of time. I have, as always, been impressed by our pulling together as a system to support each other to help sustain services, and to help discharge our patients to be cared for in the community where appropriate – however the challenges cannot be underestimated.  

The stark reality is we are at a critical and precarious point in time.

Which is why I am delighted to announce the opening of our vaccination hub at Queen’s Hospital yesterday – a historic milestone in our fight against the virus. We are starting our programme vaccinating local authority and NELFT care home staff, as well as vulnerable frontline staff from the Trust (including facilities management companies Sodexo and Mitie staff) and colleagues from ELFT, Barts and Homerton.

Our target for the first afternoon of vaccinating was 70 people and I am delighted to announce that we managed 80, which was a great team effort.

As you can imagine, we’ve been busy talking with many of those who have had the vaccination and finding out what it means to them to be part of the initial launch. We have some great videos and stories on our vaccination launch online news story, so please do take a look.

There have been a huge number of people involved in getting this vaccination hub ready; however, it wouldn’t have been possible without the vaccinators to administer the jabs. One such person was Margo McFarlane who had no hesitation in coming out of her 10 year retirement to become a Covid-19 vaccinator. Margo trained at our Trust in 1969 and spent almost 50 years with us, so it’s an absolute pleasure to welcome her back. You can read more about Margo and what made her so keen to help in our online news story, which also includes a short video.

I was delighted to have my own vaccine today along with my executive colleagues, to ensure we can protect ourselves as much as possible and thereby continue to offer leadership stability and support to our staff. They are tired, they are battered and bruised – and they are unwaivering in their dedication to providing safe and compassionate care during difficult times for all of us.

This is why we must bear in mind that crucially, whilst a game changer over time, the vaccine does not offer us an immediate panacea. Now more than ever we must be diligent in our actions, particularly over Christmas where, albeit for the moment, the rules are relaxed.    

Even those who have the vaccine must continue to follow the rules of ‘Hands; Face; Space’ – and as always I value your support in sharing this message. Let’s be optimistic – yet realistic, and do all we can to keep each other safe.

Best wishes.

Tony Chambers

Chief Executive

Was this page useful?

Was this page useful?
Rating

We've placed cookies on your computer which helps to improve you experience on our website. You can read our cookie policy, otherwise we will assume that you're ok to continue.

Please choose a setting: