I write to you, those veterans who gave so much, to say a huge thank you from all of us here at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, and of course the wider Tees Valley healthcare community.
Though we may not be able to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day in the way that we want to, know that from behind closed doors, we are all reflecting on the bravery, solidarity and tenacity of veterans who fought all those years ago.
Fast forward to the 21st century and here we are again with another fight on our hands. This time, a very different battle. One between medicine and disease, and one that does not discriminate. But deep set in both are a set of strong values, for us, putting our patients first and improving health outcomes for each and every one of our public.
Over the coming months we do not know what we will face, but what I do know is that we are a family of passionate and committed clinicians who are here to care for our local communities. Here to save lives, in the face of adversity my staff turn up to work every single day, and I couldn’t be prouder.
So whether you are in isolation with family, or if you are on your own, know that just around the corner you have a team of clinicians who are thinking of you on this very special day.
I want to end this letter to you with a poem that I read recently. A reminder that this is only temporary, and a new normality will one day return.
“And when this is all over
We’ll knock on our friends’ doors
And go to every party
And say ‘I love you’ more.
And when this is all over
Through bad, we will see the good
Because whenever we are together
We’ll appreciate it, as we should.
And when this is all over
And we are no longer in this pain
We’ll know to never take for granted
Those little things again.”
Yours faithfully,
Julie Gillon, Chief Executive of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust