Hello everyone,
It’s Good Friday. Or is it? It certainly doesn’t feel like Easter weekend - the weather’s quite nice for a start! This would be the time when many people would be setting off on a well earned holiday, or simply just taking a break. Like many others, we are treating today, the weekend and Monday like any other normal working day to make sure we continue to react to the covid challenge. Thank you to everyone, and I’m sorry if you are not doing whatever you would normally do on a bank holiday weekend. Nevertheless, it is Easter and I offer you all my best wishes for a peaceful one.
Part of our actions include the constant reiteration of government advice to stay home; stay two meters apart and stay safe. I am still hearing reports of many staff congregating and being too close to one another. This cannot continue, and we must all adhere to our own advice. If you have to be in work - and many of us do - please observe the social distancing rules (and they are rules).
You may have seen an article in today’s Lancashire Telegraph about PPE equipment and the confirmation that we do currently have sufficient stock. As you know, this is a moving feast and we are using significant amounts of PPE. Whilst I have every confidence in our stock levels and I am pleased that across Lancashire and South Cumbria we are operating an effective mutual aid approach, I must ask that you use the equipment in line with PHE guidance; use it appropriately and do not waste it. Your safety is my priority and it is essential that you and your colleagues have access to the right PPE equipment at the right time. There is some useful advice on the do’s and don’ts of PPE on our sharepoint site. Do take a look.
Once again, we saw a huge show of gratitude and appreciation for all key workers in last night’s clap. This is great to see and I am sure it will help us as we approach a very difficult period over the next couple of weeks. But I am so impressed at the team sprit and the mutual support we all have at present. Our community continues to amaze me with their generosity and the constant donations are so welcome. We will shortly be announcing a huge donation to the Trust - so watch this space. These reflect the the continuing confidence in and appreciation of our services, and certainly help to lift our spirits further. Thank you to everyone who supports us in this way.
Well, I think that’s enough from me for today. Please do enjoy the weekend - if you are working or not - and I hope you get a little time to enjoy that sunshine.
With my very best wishes,
Kevin