The pandemic three years on - remembrance event reflects on the sacrifices of NHS staff
The pandemic three years on - remembrance event reflects on the sacrifices of NHS staff
13 March 2023
The day marked three years since the World Health Organisation officially declared Covid-19 a pandemic, with a remembrance event held to honour the thousands of healthcare staff who worked throughout the crisis, providing outstanding care to patients.
During the event, attendees remembered the healthcare workers who sadly lost their lives whilst caring for others, and marked the huge sacrifices made by many with speeches, music and a minute’s silence.
"While I have always known how remarkable our health and care professionals are, the pandemic shone an even brighter light on their extraordinary work."
Dame Ruth May DBE, Chief Nursing Officer for England
Speaking at the event, Dame Ruth May DBE, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “The last three years have been extremely challenging, and I am so grateful and proud of our health and social care workforce and the vital contribution they've all made during this time.
“While I've always known how remarkable our health and care professionals are, the pandemic shone an even brighter light on their extraordinary work. It's so important we get together to reflect on this, and the lasting impact the pandemic has had on so many.”
Our chief executive, Ian Lush OBE, who is also the chair of NHS Charities Together, joined other attendees at the service, which was held at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.
He said: “Although three years have passed, we are still experiencing the impact of the pandemic on our hospitals and communities.
“We continue to be grateful to all the staff at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust for their sacrifices, going above and beyond to help others in their time of need.”
During the event, speeches were delivered by staff and senior representatives from across the NHS alongside Heidi Thomas OBE – the writer and creator of TV's Call the Midwife – who delivered a personal dedication thanking NHS staff for 75 years of care.
NHS staff then laid blue heart wreaths to music performed by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS choir and Dr Alex Aldren, a qualified doctor and opera singer.
During the first wave of the pandemic, more than 1,900 patients with Covid-19 were treated at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. We committed £3 million to help our hospitals respond, including £450,000 towards mental health and wellbeing support for NHS staff. Nine out of 10 NHS staff at our hospitals said they felt valued and supported by us during this time.
You can read more about how we're continuing to support patients and NHS staff here.
