HUNDREDS of NHS staff and volunteers from across Worcestershire have been honoured for their efforts with a special service of thanksgiving.
Dignitaries and members of the public packed into Worcester Cathedral on Sunday (September 28) for the Service of Celebration, led by the Right Rev Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester.
Prior to the start of the service staff had paraded through the city’s streets from Worcester’s Guildhall and were welcomed into the cathedral by a rousing round of applause.
During the ceremony there were moving stories from staff from the Alexandra, Kidderminster and Worcestershire Royal hospitals.
Jane Cummings, NHS England’s chief nursing officer, also addressed the congregation and challenged those who criticised the NHS to go and talk to staff and see for themselves the passion and compassion they had for the people they cared for.
“I know, and you all know, you are giving the very best care possible to the people who need it when they are most vulnerable. So thank you and keep up the good work you are doing.”
There were also songs from the Voices for Health Choir, made up of staff from across Worcestershire’s NHS organisations.
Harry Turner, chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust which organised the event, told staff: “Thank you for choosing health care as your profession, thank you for choosing to work in Worcestershire, thank you for being there when we need you most, and for many here today thank you for volunteering to help in our NHS.
“This county is a better place to live and work because of you.”
The service marked the start of the Trust’s Staff Appreciation Week. on Tuesday (September 30) a series of events took place at the county’s hospitals as part of Staff Appreciation Day. They included live music in the atrium of the Worcestershire Royal Hospital and games in the Rivercourt Courtyard.
The week comes to a close today (Friday) with the Trust’s staff achievement awards.
