North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is taking the opportunity to thank the local community and staff as the NHS turns 73 today.
It comes as the Queen announced today that she was awarding the George Cross, the UK’s highest award for gallantry and heroism, to the NHS to mark its public service over seven decades.
After a year like no other, Chief Executive Lyn Simpson has written an open letter to give thanks for the monumental effort from the staff themselves as well as the community they serve.
Lyn said: “It has been an extremely challenging year for the NHS, and the country as a whole, but also a year of hope. We have been through so much in the last year, some of the toughest times we have ever had to face, yet there are still reasons to be thankful. The Trust was one of the first places in the world to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine when staff at West Cumberland Hospital administered some of the very first jabs back in December and since then the vaccination programme has gone from strength to strength.
“We have also been working to deliver two large projects with the Cancer Centre at the Cumberland Infirmary opening this summer and the completion of the new Same Day Emergency Care extension at West Cumberland Hospital. We have also been able to deliver much more care to patients out with hospital through our Integrated Care Communities.
“The NHS could not have achieved all of this without the skill and dedication of our people along with the support of thousands of returners, volunteers, other keyworkers and, of course, the public who played their part by continually following the guidance. We are truly thankful to each and everyone one of you.”
The Trust is also taking the opportunity to encourage people to consider taking a role within the NHS. Throughout the week NCIC will be showcasing some of their remarkable staff and the role they play at the Trust. The pandemic has created a renewed interest in NHS careers and the Trust is offering a behind the scenes look at just some of the roles on offer.
Georgia Wright, Deputy Chief Nurse at NCIC said: “We’ve had a real spotlight shone on us over the last 18 months and the public have really been keen to take a look and see the pivotal role we play in our communities. We are seeing a lot of interest in taking up a role within the NHS and we think we have some great opportunities here at NCIC.”
If a career in the NHS isn’t for you, you can still show your support by joining us as a member.
NCIC’s Lead Governor, Carole Woodman, is keen to highlight the important role that the Trust’s members play and said: “We also want to use the birthday to say a huge thank you to our members. It has been an extremely challenging year but there have been so many fantastic examples of our communities working together to help each other and the NHS. Our members are a big part of this. They form a vital link between the NHS and the public in north Cumbria, helping to tell us about the needs of our local community and letting us know where we can improve our services. They also take up important volunteer roles with the Trust such as meeting and greeting and supporting at our hospital volunteer centres.
“If you’re interested in being more involved with NCIC, becoming a member is a brilliant way to do this. It’s free and open to anyone in Cumbria aged 14 and over, and you’ll be able to receive regular updates about the Trust, attend special meetings, and even stand for election as a Governor of the Trust if you wanted to. You can also receive NHS discounts at high street and online stores!
“It’s a really exciting time to get involved in your local NHS, and I’d urge anybody who wants to help NCIC to join today.”
You can read the open letter here and visit NHS jobs here or join the Trust here.
It is only the third time the George Cross has been given to a collective body, country or organisation rather than an individual since it was instituted by the Queen’s father, George VI, at the height of the blitz in 1940.
In a handwritten personal message, the Queen said: “It is with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.
“This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations. Over more than seven decades, and especially in recent times, you have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication, demonstrating the highest standards of public service.
“You have our enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation. Elizabeth R.”
The George Cross is granted in recognition of “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”. It recognises actions by civilians and military personnel not in the face of the enemy. It is awarded by the Queen on the advice of the George Cross committee and the prime minister.
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