NHS University Hospitals Dorset staff gather to reflect on Covid-19 at services across the county

NHS staff gathered at Christchurch Hospital to reflect on the Covid-19 pandemic and remember those who died.

It was one of several simultaneous services, including one at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, organised by University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) NHS Foundation Trust which took place earlier today (Wednesday) across the county.

Led by the trust’s chaplains, the tributes included poems and the observation of a minute’s silence. Staff laid floral tributes and tied ribbons to trees to remember their patients and all the sacrifices during the pandemic.

Debbie Fleming, UHD chief executive, said: "This has been a very challenging few years for us all as we changed the way we work to care for the thousands of patients who tested positive for Covid-19 and needed our support.

"Today is a chance for all of us to reflect on each of these patients – to remember all those who recovered, to think about those who are still suffering the long-term consequences of Covid, and to remember in our hearts all those who sadly died.

"We must never underestimate the impact that Covid has had on families across the country. We have all been impacted in one way or another by Covid-19, and I hope that this opportunity to pause and reflect will help us all in moving forwards," she added.

"It is also an opportunity to reflect on the fantastic work of our teams, their dedication and their commitment to our patients."