"Thank you all for your support": Hospital CEO sends message to Salisbury community
It's the chief's first Christmas here after starting in the role in September
Stacey Hunter, the CEO of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, has penned a festive message to the community of Salisbury.
She's paid tribute to the staff at Salisbury District Hospital as well as everyone who has helped them during a difficult year.
Stacey said:
"2020 has undoubtedly been the toughest year in the history of the NHS, and an extremely challenging time for this hospital and our colleagues in primary and social care.
But in adversity we have also seen the warmth, strength and solidarity of our community and local partners. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support the hospital received from everyone during our most difficult days.
I’m incredibly proud of the whole workforce at Salisbury District Hospital who have been outstanding and shown great spirit, commitment and determination. But we have also been reliant on the whole community acting together to stem the rising tide of infections and I want to thank you all for your support."
In a year of unprecedented challenges, Salisbury District Hospital has seen 68 patients die, having tested positive for Covid-19.
As cases are starting to rise again, the CEO is calling on us to follow the rules once more:
"Sadly we must once again ask that everyone continues to follow all the guidance over the Christmas period.
When we reflect back on this extraordinary year, as well as the incredible challenges and sadness we have faced, we will also remember the many examples of hope, togetherness, community spirit, and scientific progress that has been made.
As 2020 ends and 2021 begins one thing that we must remember is that we are all in this together and it is by our collective efforts that we will prevail.
Thank you for your continued support and I wish you all a Happy Christmas and New Year."