Publish date: 4 November 2020
Northumbria says a heartfelt thank you to its staff
In the NHS’ most challenging year, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is publicly thanking every member of its staff for their ongoing commitment and hard work.
Staff working across Northumberland and North Tyneside have continually gone above and beyond to provide the highest quality of care in hospitals, in the community and in people’s own homes during the pandemic.
Working with a wide range of partners, the trust has ensured that services have continued to be delivered to communities and harnessed technology to deliver thousands of outpatient appointments virtually.
Northumbria has also done all it can to ensure its hospitals are safe places to receive treatment and, faced with potential shortages of vital PPE in the early days of Covid-19, set up its own manufacturing hub to help supply the wider NHS.
Now as the country battles a second wave of the virus and the onset of winter, the trust is committed to continuing to provide the best care for its patients and remaining at the forefront of the national response.
Northumbria organises an annual awards event to mark fantastic staff achievements. Due to Covid-19 a ceremony couldn’t be held this year. The trust was determined to recognise the amazing work of those nominated for an award by their colleagues, and held a series of individual presentations to celebrate the remarkable winners and those shortlisted. To include and involve as many staff members as possible, these presentations were also shared via internal and external social media channels.
Understandingly many of the award winners have had a pivotal role in how the trust has managed the outbreak and ensured staff and patients are safe.
Sir James Mackey, chief executive of Northumbria Healthcare, said: “2020 is a year like no other and I am extremely proud of how our staff across Northumberland and North Tyneside have pulled together to continue to deliver care to our communities.
“I simply cannot thank our staff enough for their outstanding and tireless efforts they have shown, and continue to show, for our patients, in the most challenging of circumstances.
“Each year, we celebrate the fantastic work of our staff at our awards. However, this year I want to use this opportunity to publicly thank every single member of our Northumbria family for their ongoing dedication, skill, compassion and courage.
“There are countless examples of our staff going the extra mile with compassion and care and, more recently, families have told us that our staff have made them feel safe at a stressful time. In these uncertain times, this is very important and deeply appreciated.
“It is fitting that many of this year’s awards have paid tribute to those who have had a key role in our response to Covid-19 but, rest assured, every one of our staff and volunteers have played their part. I am incredibly proud of them and grateful to all.
“It has, of course, been a team effort and I am indebted for the support we have received from our partners in the health and care sector, local authorities, schools, businesses and many more.”
The ‘teams of the year’ awards went to infection prevention and control (clinical) and digital services (non-clinical).
The three chief executive’s making a difference awards were also Covid-19 related with the PPE manufacturing hub, occupational health team and communications, engagement and charity team rewarded.