HOSPITAL staff from across Worcestershire are set to parade through the streets of the county town as part of a week of celebrations to show appreciation for their work.
A service of thanksgiving at Worcester Cathedral will take place following the parade which will feature workers from the Alexandra, Worcestershire Royal and Kidderminister Hospitals as well as dignitaries and VIPs.
About 1,600 people are expected to attend the service on Sunday, September 28 which will be led by the Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge and feature staff stories, hymns and a performance by the Voices for Health Choir.
The event will kick-start the county’s first ever NHS Staff Appreciation Week which will encourage senior managers within Worcestershire’s NHS organisations to take the time to express their thanks, in however small a way, for the work of staff.
The focus will be on Staff Appreciation Day itself, September 30, when activities will take place across all three hospitals. There will be live music within the entrances, fun games, free coffee vouchers and even the chance to throw wet sponges at senior members of Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust’s board.
Board members will also be at the three sites from 6am to 10pm to make sure they catch as many workers as they can and it is hoped businesses will get on board by donating items as gifts for staff.
During the course of the week there will also be a Long Service Ceremony recognising those with 25 years or more service. Harry Turner, chairman of WAHT, is leading the steering group behind the project.
Rev David Southall, hospital chaplain and part of the group, said the aim was to create a dedicated space to allow people to show their appreciation to staff.
“It’s about encouraging those random acts of kindness throughout the day.”
Celena Eves, deputy chief nursing officer for the Trust and part of the group, said research showed 65 per cent of workers left an organisation because of a lack of appreciation.
“We need to remember to encourage people to achieve the best and that’s our mantra. Dominated people achieve second best and neglected people achieve the least.”
