The NCA is planting memorial trees at Fairfield General, The Royal Oldham, Rochdale Infirmary and Salford Royal hospitals to remember healthcare workers across the country who have taken their own lives.
The Trust is the first in the North West to commit to planting trees on every hospital site as part of the National Memorial Tree Campaign, led by the medical mental health charity Doctors in Distress in association with its patron, BAFTA winner and former NHS doctor Adam Kay.
The campaign honours the memory of healthcare professionals and highlights the Trust's commitment to protecting the mental health and well-being of colleagues.
The most recent ceremony took place at Fairfield General and was attended by various colleagues and governors from Bury Care Organisation, as well as Doctors in Distress chief executive, Ann Paul.
As the tree was planted next to the Fairfield Education Centre, Prakash Kamath, consultant paediatrician, described the shocking statistics that a doctor takes their own life every three weeks, and a nurse takes their own life every week.
Ann Paul, Doctors in Distress chief executive, highlighted the background and importance of the campaign, as well as the support provided to all healthcare professionals.
Ian Inglis and Osman Saeed Dar from the chaplaincy shared some inspiring words about the symbolism of the trees, with Osman sharing a poem he had written.
Craig Wood, governance manager, said: “The event was very moving, and I am honoured to be able to help provide a focal point for people to remember those we have lost and a beacon of hope to those in times of need. Working with Doctors in Distress will provide vital support to all our colleagues who may find themselves in a dark place, I hope the tree is a small symbol of that.”
The next tree will be planted in Fountain Gardens, The Royal Oldham Hospital on Tuesday 23 July at 2.30pm, for colleagues who wish to attend.
