The sun shone (in between the rain and hail) last Wednesday, as we held the official opening ceremony for our new A&E Department at HRI, alongside the opening of the new Wellbeing Garden at the bottom of South Drive.
Many colleagues who had been involved in the project were joined by partners from across West Yorkshire to hear a brief presentation about how the past 11 years of planning had resulted in the opening of the department to patients on Wednesday 22nd May.
Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Transformation and Partnerships, Anna Basford, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to see all our progress, along with some many of those who had been a part of the project. For me in particular it has made me realise that all of the planning and effort to open the new department has really mattered for local people, and I’m overwhelmed by what’s been achieved by so many. Despite some setbacks, everyone has dug deep, showing true resilience.”
Dr Mark Davies, our clinical lead, said: “It’s been a real privilege to lead this project and to see it come to fruition. It’s the result of a lot of work, by a lot of people over a long time. But this is just the start – there is a huge chapter beyond the A&E opening as part of our journey.
Head Nurse for Medicine, Tom Ladlow, said: “It’s been a life changing experience to be able to contribute to this historic point in time for CHFT. It’s been an absolute honour and a privilege. Seeing what people are telling us about the new space really brings it to life and shows the difference it’s already making.
Attendees then made their way to the Wellbeing Garden, where our Charity Team had set up their marquee to welcome the first official visitors to the garden – funded by the Charity and NHS Charities Together.
Charity Manager, Emma Kovaleski, said: “For me today I’m feeling overwhelmingly proud. Proud that our Charity can support CHFT’s patients and the local community.
“This week we’ve launched our new branding and strategy too. Ultimately we’re here to improve the health and happiness of every patient cared for in our hospitals and community. We want to ensure that everyone who needs access to CHFT’s services or who is employed by CHFT receives the best possible care, support, and experience, from birth to end-of-life and everywhere in between.”
Non-Executive Director, Denise Sterling, is also our Wellbeing Guardian. She said: “It’s just fantastic to know that patients, visitors and colleagues can leave the confines of the hospital building to experience the wellbeing garden and enjoy some time to reflect or enjoy a moment of peace.
“Stepping into the garden today filled me with a sense of relaxation, calm and wellbeing, and I’m sure that it’ll be a well-used space.”
