Covid-19 Day of Reflection
Many of us will have been marking this sombre anniversary yesterday, thinking especially of our colleagues who lost their lives to the pandemic, those who lost loved ones and those who continue to be affected by the long-term consequences of Covid-19. It is also a chance to remember the sacrifices of so many colleagues across DCHS who did their utmost to support the NHS, from isolating away from their own families so they could continue to look after patients, to taking on unfamiliar roles in services deemed essential, and so many other ways in which lives were turned upside-down in responding to the ravages of Covid-19. DCHS’ pioneering role in establishing vaccination centres from December 2020 was a remarkable achievement involving many colleagues, including those coming out of retirement.
The anniversary has been chosen because 9 March 2020 marked the date of the government’s first pandemic press conference when we were told “the best thing we can all do is wash our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water”. At that point the UK had suffered four Covid deaths. We know things escalating quickly from that point with the first national “stay at home” lockdown beginning just 14 days later on 23 March 2020.
You can read about the origins of the day of reflection, as a recommendation of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, and how it was commemorated yesterday at ceremonies across the UK. The UK’s Covid-19 Inquiry is continuing to gather personal accounts, giving us all an opportunity to share the impact the pandemic had on our lives with the inquiry, without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing. You still have time to add your story to the 56,000 first-person accounts already received. Submissions are welcomed until 23 May: Every Story Matters closes in May, but there is still time to share your story - UK Covid-19 Inquiry. If you have any reflective events or stories to share this week at DCHS please let us know: dchst.communications@nhs.net and reach out to the wellbeing team if you need help at this anniversary time.