In an emotional letter to the loved ones of staff from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Chief Executive, Julie Gillon has described recipients as being her colleagues ‘super power’ during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The correspondence sent to all trust staff to share with their loved ones and support networks is part of a continued campaign of thanks and gratitude. All aimed at communities across the Tees Valley from the hospitals in Stockton and Hartlepool.
Barbara Bright, Director of Corporate Services and Chief of Staff said of the initiative “our staff have all pulled together in typical North Tees and Hartlepool style throughout the pandemic. There has been a need to change so much of our business as usual. The impact of that on our colleagues has been significant.
She continues “the loved ones of our staff have in essence been our ‘twelfth man’ to use a Teesside footballing analogy. They have been our staff’ cheerleaders and their comfort after they arrive home. Their ‘super power’. We really cannot underestimate their role in helping us to stay focused during the pandemic”.
The letter was released to the Trusts 5,500 staff to share with their loved ones and support networks. Who the Chief Executive has described as ‘all being key workers’ since the virus began earlier this year.
One member of staff who received the letter described it as ‘a really lovely idea, so special’.