The NCA is planting memorial trees across our sites to honour healthcare workers who have taken their own lives. This initiative, part of the Doctors in Distress campaign, highlights the organisation’s commitment to protecting colleagues’ mental health.
The first of the trees was planted this week at Rochdale Infirmary outside the Education Centre, with colleagues from across Rochdale Care Organisation, and the Mayor of Rochdale in attendance. Rochdale Infirmary is the first hospital in the North West to join the Doctors in Distress’ National Tree Planting initiative, promoting their duty of care for the mental health of colleagues and remembering those who have lost their lives.
Craig Wood, staff governor and governance manager, said: “The Memorial Tree Campaign at Rochdale was a huge success. The tree provides a focal point for people to remember those we have lost and is a beacon of hope to those in times of need to realise that there is help available for everyone.”
Osman Dar, Rochdale colleague wellbeing chaplain said: “We can learn a lot from trees. They are a symbol of life, hope, joy, peace, shelter, purpose and connection. We as the NCA family came together to pause, reset and remember, with a firm conviction of hope for the future. If you feel like you are losing everything, remember trees lose their leaves every year and they still stand tall and wait for better days to come.”
