Yesterday, ELFT’s Chief Executive Paul Calaminus and Chair Eileen Taylor unveiled a new plaque to pay tribute to all community services in Newham, and the many sacrifices they made throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Paul Calaminus praised the selflessness of everybody at ELFT throughout the turbulent two years, and particularly during the confusion and uncertainty of the virus in March 2020. Before cutting the ribbon, Eileen Taylor lauded the dedication of staff in providing high quality support for service users.
The plaque was unveiled in the reception of the East Ham Care Centre on Shrewsbury Road, and the ELFT’s Director of Nursing, Ruth Bradley, welcomed attendees to the ceremony, saying:
“It’s very easy to forget how little knowledge we had about Covid-19 at the beginning of the pandemic, and how frightening it truly was. Having this space enables us to recall and reflect on the service users and staff we lost along the way.
“Staff responded incredibly to the frightening situation by supporting carers and families who couldn’t be with loved ones in their final days and hours.”
The memorial seeks to remind everybody at East Ham – and throughout the Trust – of the hardships faced by everybody at the height of the pandemic. It also stresses the importance of supporting all healthcare workers who work tirelessly to keep us safe, every single day.