Dozens of thank you letters have been sent from St George’s Hospital to local faith groups, sports teams and public transport workers for offering their support throughout the pandemic this Thanksgiving (Thursday 25 November).
Jacqueline Totterdell, Group Chief Executive at St George’s and Epsom and St Helier, has personally written to thank those who have shown such kindness and generosity over the last 18 months and asked for continued support this winter.
She said: “It’s been a particularly gruelling time for the NHS but our staff have kept going and will continue to keep going. We’re holding a series of thank you events for our staff to recognise their hard work, but it’s equally important for us to thank those outside of the Trust who have provided such kindness when we’ve been under intense pressure.”
Just some of the amazing support felt by the St George’s teams includes regular food donations from multiple organisations, local tube station staff promoting covid-19 guidance in Tooting Broadway Station, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK providing emotional support and hosting pop-up vaccine clinics at locals Mosques as well as a football tournament organised by the AFC Wimbledon Foundation as a way of saying thanks to St George’s staff.
The Garden Productions and Wonderhood Studios – responsible for producing Channel 4’s 24 Hours in A&E and Baby Surgeons: Delivering Miracles at St George’s – also created informational videos for staff and the public and provided iPads for patients and food packages for staff.
Local MPs have also been thanked for providing up to date information and reassurance to local communities at a time when misinformation was rife and vulnerability was high. The support of the clap for carers’ evenings has also been thanked.
Jacqueline Totterdell added: “We have been bowled over by all the messages of gratitude throughout the pandemic and have felt incredibly fortunate to have been offered support in a number of ways. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported us!”
The letters have been sent as part of a three month Thank You George’s season of thanks recognising hard work and support throughout the pandemic.
Daryl Desmond, Matron in the Emergency Department, said: “The acts of kindness that our local communities and businesses made to our hospital were extraordinary. They gave staff the lift they needed and to know that they had the support of all these amazing people was such a boost. We cannot thank everyone enough for everything they have done, and continue to do, to support us in these challenging times.”
Dr Richard Jennings, Chief Medical Officer at St George’s, said: “We really appreciate all those who have supported our staff with such extraordinary generosity during this challenging time, but the biggest act of support is really simple and comes from those who follow guidance, wear masks in crowded places such as on public transport and wash their hands regularly.
He added: “Looking after yourselves this winter by getting your covid-19 and flu vaccines is the best form of protection against both viruses and supports NHS staff. If you need medical care but it isn’t an emergency, please call or access NHS 111 online before attending our emergency department as often there are more appropriate NHS services available to you which can be quicker, such as your GP or local pharmacy.”
