Health and social care workers across NHS Lothian are being honoured for their outstanding response to the pandemic and their exceptional service to the people of Lothian and beyond.
A special film and song have been produced to commemorate all NHS Lothian staff, which was premiered at a virtual Celebrating Success ceremony last week (Thursday 28 October).
It captures just some of the reflections and experiences of staff throughout the pandemic. The song was written and performed by Scottish singer and songwriter, Marina Rolink, especially to thank all staff. This was all made possible by funding from NHS Lothian’s official charity, the Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation.
“It’s never been more important to take time to recognise the incredible work carried out by all our staff.” said Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian. “Our people are the real strength of NHS Lothian and our Health and Social Care Partnerships. Their response to the pandemic has been exceptional and we are extremely proud of everyone.”
NHS Lothian received and cared for the first COVID-19 positive patient in Scotland. The health board went on to set up one of the first drive-through testing facilities, played a significant role in ground-breaking research to understand more about the virus and to develop treatments and support the largest vaccination programme in history.
“None of this would have been possible without the effort of everyone,” adds Calum Campbell. “It has been a system-wide effort – frontline and backroom, clinical and non-clinical, seen and unseen. Everyone has pulled together right across our health and social care services, despite many having to make great personal sacrifices and even experiencing heartbreak and loss.”
“The work of our teams exemplifies the values of NHS Lothian, striving to provide the best care possible in the toughest of times. We thank all of our staff for their exceptional service to the people of Lothian and beyond.”
Commenting on her inspiration for writing the song, Marina Rolink, said: “It was actually really challenging to write a song specifically for the NHS and to show thanks for all the workers because I don’t think there are enough words to say thank you. I tried to make it something that people can connect with because I think we’re all feeling an overwhelming sense of gratefulness for the NHS right now. It’s a huge honour to sum that up and to do it through music.”
All NHS Lothian staff will be awarded a special commemorative pin badge and card which is due to be distributed later this year. A full-length version of the commemorative film will also be saved in NHS Lothian’s archives for future generations.
Jane Ferguson, Director of Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation said: “We are honoured to once again support the Celebrating Success event and celebrate all of the amazing NHS Lothian staff who go above and beyond every day to ensure patients receive exceptional care. It has been a privilege to stand beside and support our hardworking, dedicated colleagues as they worked and continue to work through one of the biggest global health challenges of our lifetimes. We’d just like to add our own personal thanks to each and every one of them for everything they have done to care for us all.”
To watch the film and listen to the song please visit: https://vimeo.com/639909371/627abb77a1
