Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 10:34
We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague Nick Lee who died suddenly last week and would like to pass our condolences to his family, friends and everyone he worked with in west Norfolk and the wider Norfolk team.
Nick fulfilled his role with distinction and was well respected by colleagues and every healthcare professional he came into contact with. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues and our priority is to support them.
I realise that this is a difficult time for all our people. Always remember there is wellbeing support available for anyone who needs it, you can find all the information here.
Welcome to our new Interim Medical Director
I am pleased to announce that Dr Simon Walsh has joined EEAST as Interim Medical Director. Simon brings with him a wealth of experience across emergency and pre-hospital medicine and has worked as Clinical Lead within the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) for the last four years.
Simon is also one of the deputy chairs of the British Medical Association, UK Consultants Committee, often speaking in the media about the pressures on the urgent & emergency care system.
I know you’ll all join me in welcoming Simon to our team.
Taking care of ourselves, our patients and colleagues this winter
I am committed that we are open and honest with our patients and communities about the challenges that we – along with the whole of the NHS – are facing this winter, and also to recognise and celebrate the great care and work you deliver in the face of these challenges. I spoke to the Eastern Daily Press last week, about the challenges we’re currently facing, you can read the piece in full here.
One of the best way to look after ourselves, our colleagues and our patients this winter is to ensure we all have our COVID booster and flu jabs. This is even more important given the increasing presence of the Omicrom variant here in the UK.
As the festive season approaches, we know many of you are keen to celebrate with each other. However, another way of protecting each other is to take care if you are organising gatherings with large staff groups, as these are likely to increase the risk of transmitting the virus in the workplace and the chance of you getting ill.
Unfortunately, we have seen this happen recently and have put together some guidance to help you stay safe and protect your friends and families whilst also being able to enjoy celebrations this winter.
And finally…
You may have seen the ‘Coming Soon…’ message recently on Need to Know. In the run up to Christmas, we want to recognise and celebrate individuals and teams from across our Trust who are working so hard to make sure our patients receive the best quality care during this busy period. From 13th December, we’re running the 12 Days of EEASTmas, which will feature messages of thanks, festive cheer and, for 12 lucky members of staff, a daily prize to be won.
Please continue to look after yourselves and stay safe.
Tom Abell
Chief Executive Officer
9th December 2021