Today (Thursday 11 March) marks the first anniversary since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a pandemic.

Covid-19 has impacted all of our lives one way or another. A year like no other in recent history, the past 12 months have been filled with sorrow for so many.

As a Trust, we have mourned the loss of 1,600 lives due to Covid-19.

Tony Chambers, our Chief Executive, has paid tribute to those who have sadly passed away. He said: “Today, on the first anniversary, is a very poignant reminder that Covid-19 has caused unimaginable heartache for so many. Our deepest sympathies are with those who have lost a loved one due to the virus, not just in our hospitals but across the world.

“I am incredibly proud to lead this Trust and to serve such brave, resilient and diverse communities. We can look forward to the days when we return to the lives that we took for granted, but we will never forget those who have died during this heart-breaking pandemic.”   

Whilst we must reflect and pay tribute to those who have sadly died over the past 12 months, it’s also important that we celebrate the glimpses of joy we have experienced. Those who won their battle with Covid and returned home to loved ones.

More than 4,700 people have recovered from Covid and been discharged from our hospitals. It’s those moments of hope over the past year that have kept us going.  

Like when we shared the heart-warming stories of 76-year-old Frederick Stratford, who told us how he couldn’t wait to get home and cuddle his wife of 60 years. Or when grandfather-of-four, Rohit Patel, returned home in July after a gruelling three months while being treated at King George Hospital.

We also shared the wonderful story about Janice Benham, an incredibly brave 63-year old woman, who battled and beat breast cancer, before fighting Covid and returning home after 89 days at King George hospital.

You, our patients, are at the heart of everything we do.

We must also acknowledge our amazing staff.  Despite the pain and the loss, either directly or indirectly, our workforce has continued to care for our patients every day.

Speaking recently to the Metro, our very own Dr Remi Odejinmi bravely explained how she experienced loss during the second wave, with three loved ones dying within the space of two months.

Remi, a consultant anaesthetist, said: “I feel I have a big picture view of what people are going through, both as a worker at the coalface seeing what happens to people who have Covid as they are separated from loved ones, and as Joe Bloggs suffering loss.

“I’ve also had Covid myself and I narrowly avoided going into intensive care. It wasn’t just about the impact on me, but on my husband and sons and it’s not something I would wish on my worst enemy. Bearing in mind, the black community has large families; aunties, uncles, grandparents and nieces and nephews. Covid means we can’t move around, visit each other and go to funerals together.

“The pain of loss still sits with us but it reminds us each day that we have to take care of ourselves and our loved ones.”

As we look forward, we take comfort in knowing that brighter days are ahead. With a vaccination programme sweeping the nation, we recently celebrated the 20,000 jab at our hubs.

We cannot change the last year and we will never forget those who have sadly died from Covid-19. Not just today on the first anniversary but every day, we will remember you. Rest in peace.

Read the thoughts of our Chief Medical Officer, Magda Smith, as she reflects on the past year.