The staff of Kitwood Ward at the St. Margaret’s site hosted a lovely teatime event in July – inviting the Epping Town Mayor, members of the Friends’ committee and patients’ relatives, to the garden of the unit and in the dayroom.
A saxophonist played some good jazz, and staff, patients and guests together enjoyed dancing to the music.
After chatting with guests, patients and medical staff, Town Mayor Razia Sharif spoke to thank Kitwood staff for their generous hospitality as well as their excellent care for patients – and remarked: “We often talk about healthcare in terms of buildings, budgets and services, but what really makes a difference are the people who work in these buildings. It’s their compassion, their patience and their good humour that keep things ticking over. These are all the things that no spreadsheet can ever measure.” (In bold)
Razia also spoke about the local community of Epping, describing its great strength in these words:
“We look after one another, we give our time and we remind people that they are never alone.”
Tea on a very sunny day in Epping’s Hospital grounds was a perfect example of that – and particularly for the Friends’ committee, and supporters and local people who run events raising cash for items for the Hospital – which the NHS budget can’t supply.
The Friends regularly meet requests from Kitwood staff for a range of items which are outside that budget – but which will help tremendously with the care for their patients.
