23 December 2021

Claire Murdoch, CNWL's Chief Executive, sent this message to staff today (Thursday 23 December 2021)

Hello everyone!

I’m writing to wish you all a really Happy Christmas.

I want to give a special thanks to those who are working over the holiday period – keeping services functioning for those who need them most, knowing as we do, that it can be a very hard time if you are a patient at this time of the year.

We the NHS are because each individual plays their part, every day throughout the year.

I hope that you take the rest you need, and, most of all, that you enjoy the time off, spending it with those who are most important to you, your friends and families, to recharge and refresh ourselves, with much laughter and love.

I know this will also be a time of sadness and mourning for many of you, especially where family members, friends and colleagues were lost to Covid or to other causes. You will cherish their memories, but also know they would want you to have happy times too, and amidst some tears and laughter they will be with you.

I know some will not get to see their families – especially if abroad or if they are too vulnerable to meet face to face and I hope your arrangements extend to ‘embracing’ them as well.

Everyone has been working so hard, for so long, and now with the additional demands of covering for people who have had to self isolate, or who tested positive. I wish everyone in that position my best wishes for a speedy recovery and a return to work.

Sadly, the hard times are not yet over; we will know a lot more about the prognosis of Omicron in the next few weeks – we’re hoping for the best but must also prepare for what could be very difficult times. I know that, like me, you all have the determination to see this through, that’s why we are the NHS.

These next few weeks will make high demands of us all once again, and staffing will be the most important part of the task, to keep services running and to help the whole NHS and social care system operate.

You’ll be hearing more about our workforce plans and the adjustments we’re making very soon, including how we will manage them.

Earlier this year I wrote to say that as a small token for you – a personal gift – that your birthday should be taken as leave (or the day closest to the actual  date).

I’ve heard from many of you about it; not only your appreciation but also telling me about the things you did for yourself that day; lunches with loved ones, cycling alone to a favourite beautiful spot, time with grandchildren, shopping trips and lots more.

That’s good as it was meant to be a day for you, offered as a thank you, for whatever replenishes and pleases you.

We are offering this again for the year April 2022 to March 2023 – that your birthday (or the day closest to it) is taken as a leave day, just for you.

It’s a small gesture of our huge appreciation for the marathon you’ve run in the last 20 months or so.

I have been humbled by what I’ve heard about the work you’ve done, I’ve been moved, I’ve shed a tear too. I’ve felt inspired by you and feel an immense pride to be part of fighting this biggest of public health menaces the NHS might ever have faced.

Thank you all – from the bottom of my heart – for all we’ve done together and all we will do.

I wish you the happiest and most joyful Christmas!

Claire

See The CNWL Christmas Video Card here (opens link)