Hundreds of knitted poppies generously donated by members of the public and NHS staff are being displayed in two Surrey and South-West London hospitals, in tribute to those who have served and sacrificed.
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has adorned the outside and inside of its buildings with more than 400 knitted and crocheted creations. People as far as Manchester – 220-plus miles away – have sent their poppies to be included in the displays, and local people, groups, and staff have also got involved.
It comes following the Trust’s accreditation for being “Veteran Aware” and for its recent Silver Award in the “Defence Employer Recognition Scheme”.
The Trust has been working hard to support veterans and serving personnel – including guaranteeing interviews for job applicants who have served in the Armed Forces, and providing support and information to those who need it.
James Blythe, Managing Director at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This display is just one way we wanted to show our support for the Armed Forces community and remember those who have served and sadly lost their lives.
“We can count some of our staff as veterans, and of course many of our patients and visitors will also have served or know someone who has, so this is something that’s really close to our hearts.”
St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group will also be marking Armistice Day with services at its hospitals.
Kate Slemeck, Managing Director at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is always a poignant time of year, and we’ll be taking the time to remember and pay our respects.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has served in the Armed Forces, and will be recognising their commitment, sacrifice, and service. We will be marking the day with an event in our Tree of Life garden from 1.15pm today. We have staff and patients who are serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans, so this is an important day of reflection and thanks for us all.”
As for the poppy display – it’s the second year Epsom and St Helier has done this, with knitted donations from 2021 reused this time round. After the period of Remembrance all poppies will be kept in storage and used in displays for years to come.
Jo Brittan, Patient Experience and Partnership Manager at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The display really does look incredible, so a big thank you to everyone who took the time to get creative and send in their poppies. It’s so heartening to see our community come together to show their support.”
