As NHS Grampian’s frontline staff work tirelessly to fight the coronavirus pandemic, chief executive Amanda Croft reveals more than 2,000 volunteers have stepped up to assist
These are challenging and unprecedented times for all of us.
It is truly difficult to comprehend the huge life changes we have all been asked to make in just a matter of weeks.
Whether you’re missing family and friends, have had to cancel parties or weddings, or simply longing for a chat over the garden fence with your neighbour – I understand how difficult this is.
I miss my two daughters dearly, and as they both live away from home, I’m not sure when we will meet up physically again.
Like households across the country, regular phone and video calls with family members have become invaluable for us to keep in touch.
But our healthcare staff and carers across Grampian are working incredibly hard on the frontline to tackle this virus.
From consultants to cleaners; carers to nurses; hospital porters to delivery drivers; GPs to pharmacists – thousands of people in the north-east are working day and night to keep you safe.
I want to thank each and every one of our NHS staff for their vital work.
As the chief executive of NHS Grampian, I personally owe you a huge debt of gratitude for working around the clock to protect what is dear to us all – our precious health service.
Last month, we launched the Grampian Assistance Hub to offer assistance for anyone affected by coronavirus whilst encouraging volunteers to sign up and help their local community.
I’m delighted to say the response from people in the north-east has been phenomenal.
A massive 2,200 individuals or groups have registered across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, through the hub, to offer assistance and support in their community.
I want to send my warmest thanks too to the small army of volunteer responders who have come forward in unprecedented numbers during our time of need.
Your response is testament to our incredible community spirit here in Grampian, and your commitment to helping others is truly inspirational.
It is still possible for others to volunteer through the Grampian Assistance Hub online, and if you are willing and able, I would encourage you to do so.
But just as importantly, I want to thank those at home who are following the government’s advice. You really are keeping people safe.
By sticking to the lockdown restrictions – which means staying at home except for daily exercise or shopping for essentials, and respecting social distancing when outside – you will be helping to slow the spread of Covid-19.
By continuing to work together, we will get through this and I am deeply grateful for your support.
Our teams in NHS Grampian, our health and social care partnerships and all of our partner agencies, are currently working relentlessly to build extra capacity locally so we can deal with the challenge we currently face, and the even tougher challenge that lies ahead.
But let’s not forget, that while this is a tough time for all of us, it will pass.
Stay safe and thanks again for your support.
