As the recent cold snap of weather disappears and we start to enjoy brighter warmer days in the build-up to Spring, let’s take this positivity forward as we continue in our battle against Covid-19.

With the encouraging news that circa 17.5 million people have now received their first jab, more than 15,000 of whom have been at our vaccination hubs, we must remember that happier days are ahead of us. 

However, while we are seeing a slow but steady reduction in the number of Covid-19 patients we are treating, it is crucial that we do continue to adhere to the lockdown measures currently in place at this critical time.

Our services

Last week we were able to announce that the Birth Centre at Queen’s Hospital reopened. I am also delighted to let you know that we are now restarting endoscopy services at Queen’s Hospital, so that we can start to undertake some of our routine diagnostics. Cancer and urgent diagnostic endoscopies have continued to take place at King George Hospital.

As of yesterday (22 February), we have also started to carry out some of our higher priority planned surgeries too.

We are constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation and our service updates page on our website provides the latest information. 

Improving how we look after our staff

The wellbeing of our workforce continues to be a dedicated focus for our executive team.

We know that the wellbeing needs are different for each of us and this is why I am delighted that we’ve announced a raft of wellbeing measures to better look after our staff. 

These include developing our mental and physical health support services, refurbishing staff rooms, financial advice and improving the food and drink options at both hospitals.

I’ve said on many occasions, I continue to be amazed by the incredible dedication of our staff. This is why it is paramount that we do all we can to support and protect our workforce, just like they do for our communities 365 days a year.

A message of support from our Chair, to the LGBT+ community

As we know, February is LGBT+ History Month and is an opportunity for us all to help achieve the overall aim of this fantastic celebration, which is to ‘promote equality and diversity’.

Representation matters and it is crucial that we see our individual identities reflected in all areas of life. This is why our Trust Chair, Mike Bell, wanted to share a message of support for our LGBT+ staff, patients, families and friends.

As Mike said so passionately in his video, “our shared goal must be to create a culture in our hospitals and in the community we serve, where all feel able to be themselves, feel free from discrimination, free to love, free to achieve all we can”.

Patient returns home after 99 days

Although we continue to read about the falling number of Covid-19 cases in our boroughs, it is so important that we remember the devastating impact the virus continues to have on so many loved ones.

However, it is incredible when we can share beautiful stories about patients who recover and return home to their families. One of those is Jane Alsop, who was discharged last week after a lengthy stay of 99 days.

Jane, who works in community care and had not seen her son since October, was full of praise for our “amazing” staff. She said: "I’ve liked to keep them on their toes! But I really appreciate everything they've done for me. I feel lucky to be on the road to recovery."

We wish Jane well with her recovery and I hope this story puts a smile on your face, like it did mine!

An article by our Chief Nurse

Since the launch of our innovative Chief Nurse Fellows programme 12 months ago, more than 50 colleagues have completed it and 140 applications have already been received for places in 2021, which is brilliant news.

Our Chief Nurse, Kathryn Halford, has written an article in the Nursing Times about the programme, which offers nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants, allied health professionals and healthcare scientists the opportunity to work with senior managers for a week. Please do take a read when you have five minutes, as it is a fantastic article.

In the meantime, please do all stay safe and have a great week.

Best wishes. 

Tony Chambers
Chief Executive