Clinical Community Manager at Solent NHS Trust pens a letter of thanks to children of key workers during Covid-19 battle
A member of Solent NHS Trust’s clinical management team has crafted a letter of thanks to the children and families of the Trust's key workers, who are continuing to deliver patient care and support health services in these challenging times.
Following a conversation with Dr Caroline Hutchings, Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine and a social media search, Sallyann Smith, Clinical Manager for Solent Neurological Rehabilitation Services was inspired to create a letter to help support her team, as many have families and young children at home. A similar letter was created by Chief Constable Nick Adderley of Northamptonshire Police earlier this month to show his support to Police force families during Covid-19.
Speaking about the letter, Sallyann said: “It’s really important that everyone across Solent feels supported, and this support extends to their families. This pandemic is affecting us in so many ways and for some of our staff, that means having to make difficult decisions and spend time away from their children and loved ones.
“But we mustn’t forget that these children are making sacrifices too. Most of them will be at home and away from their friends, and others might need to go into school because their mum and/or dad is a key worker. They might feel lonely, scared and unsure - which could have a real impact on their wellbeing.
“I wanted to create something that would show our appreciation to these children and have something that made them feel part of our team - after all, without the understanding from families at home, it could feel harder for some people in our teams to continue to come to work every day.
“I also wanted to be able to explain to them why certain things are so important such as handwashing and only going out once a day for exercise.”
The children of Solent NHS Trust employees and from across the Solent community, have been showing their support for NHS employees and key workers by sending an abundance of heart-warming support through rainbows and signs of thanks.
“We’re working really hard to keep everyone in our community safe and well and have seen what a positive impact something like the rainbows, that children in our communities have been sending in to us, can do to team spirit and morale. A lot of the artwork we are receiving comes from the families of our employees. This is a constant reminder of how everyone is pulling together at this really difficult time,” said Sallyann.
Solent employs around 4,000 people across Hampshire, who are continuing to come together and support other NHS services who are responding to the current COVID-19 outbreak.