A year of teamwork: Bucks' chief nurse pays tribute to teams
Karen Bonner joined Bucks Healthcare just after the first lockdown started
Buckinghamshire's health services are still open and ready, despite Tier 4 restrictions.
But, just like any other year, we're being asked to think before heading to A&E to avoid busy crowds.
We've been catching up with the Trust's Chief Nurse, Karen Bonner about what things will look like over Christmas and to look back at this year.
Services still open
The main message is that health services are still up-and-running despite Tier 4 and Christmas holidays.
A&E is still open, but we are being encouraged to use the 111 service if it is not an urgent issue which could be dealt with elsewhere.
This is to avoid big queues at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and keep people safe.
Karen told us:
"We are here, our doors are open and any changes to our services will be communicated.
"In regards to visiting, we have been having visitors on site but we will be reviewing that in light of Tier 4 restrictions, so keep an eye on our website for any changes."
Many pharmacies will still be open over Christmas and community care services will still be operating.
A year of teamwork
This year has of course put huge pressures on our healthcare workers and Buckinghamshire's hospitals have felt that, too.
Karen joined the team at the end of March, during the first peak of coronavirus.
She told us she's seen teams really pull together:
"My message to them is 'thank you!' because even through what has been a prolonged period of time, they have done this all with good spirit, supporting each other, working collaboratively and flexibly in order to respond to our patients' needs."
Overall services have been able to keep going, despite a slight pause when the pandemic first hit.
The Chief Nurse told us everyone has adapted well to using new technologies and new ways of working.
Normally at this time of year, wards are getting festive, with decorations up and gifts brought in for staff and patients.
Whilst restrictions are in place, Karen told us Christmas is still happening and so they are encouraging the festive spirit.
She added:
"There are some decorations, which are disposable so we'll throw them away after as we wouldn't maybe normally.
"We encourage everyone to get into the spirit of Christmas and support those who have to be in hospital over the Christmas period.
"I think we've always done that.
"Christmas has always been well-spirited for those who work it, in the hospital setting and in the community - for example with babies born at this time.
"So there are some really great moments."