Published on: 20 March 2020

Martin Hodgson.jpg

Dear Colleague,

Welcome to my latest blog – at the end of one of the most incredible weeks of my career!

It’s at times like these that communication is key, so I’m hoping you’re reading this, and all other COVID-19-critical messages. We, together with the communications team, are doing our utmost to keep you informed with accurate information without overburdening you. Nevertheless, there’s an awful lot of it and is, in a rapidly evolving situation, subject to change.

My sincere thanks to the entire workforce – the last few days have been difficult but I do feel duty bound to say not only ‘keep calm and carry on’, but also ‘follow the most recent guidance and act accordingly’.

It’s been great to see public service staff, and especially NHS workers, receiving so much good will from business, the media and members of the public. Many businesses are offering free food and/or drinks; messages of thanks are appearing on pavements and dedications are being played on the radio. In addition, we’ve had charitable donations of Easter eggs for staff as well as patients. WHSmith have confirmed that they are offering staff a 20% discount off everything, and Starbucks are offering free filter coffee. Our Charity – ELHT&Me has received many donations of cash, Easter Eggs and other gifts. As a Trust, we have decided to suspend all car parking charges from 1st April and hope that this also helps. From Monday, we’re suspending charges for staff and volunteers for food from our staff restaurants. You’ll just have to show your badge.

Nevertheless, we know that this is a difficult situation and many staff, as well as members of the public, are anxious. There are many places that you can find support, including our own Occupational Health Service and perhaps you could also take a look at this: https://www.tenpercent.com/ which includes a free coronavirus sanity guide, designed to help with uncertainty and anxiety. ‘Headspace’ have a free section on their app called ‘weathering the storm’ which is available to anyone and includes meditation, sleep and movement exercises designed to help.

In other news, following a lengthy tendering and quality assurance process, ELHT, in partnership with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals have been given the green light to establish a specialist centre service for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) for patients across Lancashire and South Cumbria. The development is great news for the Trust and our patients as it will lead to the provision of specialised services locally, preventing patients from having to travel to Wythenshawe for access to ILD specialists. It will make the Trust Respiratory service an even more attractive prospect to the best medical and nursing staff to come and work and share their expertise. The service is aiming to be up and running in the early part of 2020/21 financial year (COVID pending).

Well, even though it’s Friday, I’m not convinced the weekend will be much different than any other part of the week. Please remember to follow the advice about social distancing, hand washing and avoiding gatherings - and keep passing these important messages on.

Finally, it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday. It won’t be celebrated in the traditional way for most, but I offer all the Mums in our ELHT family my best wishes, and of course, my thanks.

 

Martin,
Deputy Chief Executive