As part of North Cumbria Integrated care NHS Foundation Trust's Festival of thanks and wellbeing, one day was dedicated to reflection and remembrance.
In the morning, two memorial benches were blessed by the Rev Barrie Thomas and Father Frank Osman in a short service to remember the staff members who died during the pandemic.
The service was attended by the Chief Executive, Chief Nurse, our bereavement officer and representatives for each of the wards where the staff members worked.
This was then followed by a two minute silence which was observed across the organisation at 11am. Memorial journals have been opened at the chapels at CIC and WCH for staff comments, thoughts, words of comfort and reflections.
Many staff preferred to send reflections through art and the Trust launched thier online art gallery showcasing work capturing staff thoughts and reflections – the online gallery will remain open so please continue to send in your work, we have already had interest from an independent gallery to show our work in the New Year!
Finally at 8pm staff and the wider comunity were invited to light a candle either at home or in the workplace in a private moment to reflect on your experiences.
Elaine Crooks, Head of Nursing for patient experience said:
“It’s really important to take some time out of the busy working day to reflect the impact that this has had, not only on us as individuals but on the wider communities."
Thank you to everyone who took part.