Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has marked the two-year anniversary since admitting their first patient suspected of having COVID-19 into hospital – with a confirmed positive test just days later.
In an open letter to the people of Lancashire & South Cumbria, Chief Executive Kevin McGee OBE, paid tribute to all those who have lost their lives, from patients, colleagues and friends.
By way of respect for those who have lost their lives, and to acknowledge the tireless efforts of health and care workers, the Trust Charity lit-up the canopies at the front entrance of Royal Preston Hospital in the colours blue, following a generous donation by Ameon Building Services and Edmunson Electrical Preston, who also kindly installed the lighting free of charge as a gesture of good-will.
Staff also observed a nationwide minute’s silence, spearheaded by NHS Charities Together, to mark the second anniversary of when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic on March 11.
Following a generous grant from NHS Charities Together – Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity are in the process of creating two tranquil spaces at Royal Preston and Chorley & South Ribble Hospital sites, to remember those who have passed away, both before and during the pandemic, and to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation.
To mark the anniversary, members of the charity team, along with staff from Chorley & South Ribble Hosptial, scattered wildflower seeds in the soon to be completed memorial garden at the hospital site.
Despite the unprecedented challenges which continue to affect many of the Trust’s services and will for some time to come, the Trust’s Chief Executive said there is much to be thankful for as they acknowledge the near 4,400 COVID-19 positive patients who have successfully been discharged home since the pandemic began.
Looking ahead, the Trust is working hard to restore elective services following significant investment in the opening of three day case theatres, a purpose built ophthalmology centre and most recently the Nightingale Surge Hub which is helping to provide additional capacity across the region.
