It is an incredible honour that today Her Majesty The Queen has awarded the ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ the George Cross. This award reflects the high regard in which the nation holds the National Health Service. The award is for everyone that works for the ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ, past and present - all 300 different occupations that make up the ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ workforce, those that wear a uniform and those that don't, all our fabulous teams. I hope the Award helps to inspire our staff who are currently exhausted and motivates new people to join the incredible institution that is our ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ.Â
Since I started my nurse training 34 years ago things have moved on quite a bit. The system, the processes, the equipment and the uniforms have all changed beyond imagination, but the values and aspirations of the service have stayed consistent. We are here to serve our community, to deliver compassionate care, free at the point of delivery based on need not the ability to pay. When individuals, communities or the nation need our care and support the service has delivered time and again, not just this past year but for 73 years.Â
Everyone who wears an ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ lanyard either today, yesterday or in the future should be proud of what they have done, continue to do or will do in the future, I know I am.Â
05 July 2021
Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of ¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.