A memorial bench has been unveiled as a tribute to ‘well-loved’ Robbie Muir.

Robbie worked for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) for more than 25 years and was well known by many at Queen’s Hospital.

When Robbie died last year of Covid-19, his colleagues wanted to do something as a team to celebrate him.

Robbie’s partner Jo Player, along with our Emergency Department (ED) and Clinical Operations teams, came up with the idea for the bench and plaque. A collection for the memorial took place and was also funded by our colleagues who work for Sodexo.

Stewart Ryan, Clinical Operations Support, who was involved in the fundraising, said: “The bench is more than just a bench. Robbie’s colleagues in the London Ambulance Service and all our ED staff can sit on it, and remember all the good times they had with Robbie.

“We placed it out the back of ED so the LAS can use it, as they worked with him for many years.

“I would like to thank Marshalls Landscape Protection, Sodexo, the Estates team, Sister Vanessa and the rest of ED, and our Clinical Ops team for helping to contribute to this memorial.”

Garret Emmerson, London Ambulance Service Chief Executive, said: “The memorial bench at Queen’s Hospital in remembrance of our well-loved medic, Robbie, is a true testament to the impact he made on the lives of others.

“Robbie is remembered for his warmth, dedication and empathy he showed to his patients, but, also for the support and kindness he offered his colleagues. I'm sure this bench will help to provide a quiet place for staff to sit and reflect on all the fond memories of our friend and colleague."

The bench features a plaque with words chosen by Jo. The inscription reads, “You’ll be in my thoughts, until we meet again. Robbie Muir 1972 – 2020”.

Jo, who cut the ribbon when the bench was unveiled, said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated and to Stewart for organising it. Rob was loved by everyone in ED and the bench is a fitting tribute to him.

“I hope it will be used by both BHRUT and LAS staff.”

Robbie’s colleague and friend, Paramedic Paul Abela, said: “Robbie would be extremely proud knowing that the ED staff, that he worked closely with for over 25 years, were so generous and thoughtful.

“This shows how loved and well respected Robbie was by colleagues within the NHS.”

On what the bench means to those who knew Robbie, Stewart added: “Robbie is now a permanent fixture at Queen’s, everyone who knew him can now remember him in their own special way.

“The summer nights will be perfect for sitting on the bench, overlooking the park and the ambulances that Robbie so loved.”