Well this will be my last blog post of 2021. I can’t quite believe the end of the year is fast approaching. I obviously want to start with a massive thank you to each and every one of my colleagues for all that they have achieved this year and all they continue to do to support our patients, their loved ones and each other.

I know that the current uncertainty around Christmas and New Year plans is not ideal as we were so looking forward to a better festive season than last year. The current wave of COVID-19 and the national ask of the NHS, and other partners, to respond to this through increased vaccinations and support to safely discharge patients from hospitals is yet another huge demand on colleagues and services. I know that we are all tired after supporting the pandemic respond for almost two years now, and I know that many of our colleagues across health and social are running on empty. I can only say how much I appreciate all of your efforts and how important it is for you to look after your own wellbeing. Do make sure you share with a colleague or friend if you are struggling. We are all here to support each other through this challenging time.

As the year draws to a close, I would like to share a few of my personal reflections from 2021. I would like to say how proud I am of our response to the pandemic, but also all the other amazing work we have been doing to deliver the best care to patients, as well as work to innovate and collaborate. It’s great to be recognised nationally in a number of awards across both clinical and non-clinical services throughout the year and I am sure there will be further recognition to come in 2022.  I am proud and humbled by the care and compassion demonstrate daily by colleagues across the Trust, not only as part of our Just and Compassionate Culture Programme but more generally in our interactions with patients, carers and colleagues.

I will end this week reiterating my gratitude to you all and wishing you a peaceful and happy festive season. I do hope that you manage to get some rest and recuperation over the next few weeks and the opportunity to share some time with your loved ones. Despite the pressures and challenges we are facing in the NHS and social care, I am very much looking forward to working with you all in 2022 to achieve great things for the communities we serve.

Take care and stay safe.

Jacqui

Jacqui Van RossumExecutive Director of Integrated Care (London)