NELFT has unveiled a commemorative artwork, in memory of seven members of staff who sadly died from COVID-19, whilst working in the response to the pandemic.

The artwork, which is made of fine glass, was unveiled during an intimate remembrance ceremony, in which families of those who passed attended, as well as NELFT’s acting chief executive Jacqui Van Rossum and Chair, Joe Fielder.

Designed by local glass artist, Jan Ives, the artwork reflects the NHS Rainbow which became symbolic during the pandemic, and includes engravings of the names of those who were lost to the pandemic.

Watch the video of the ceremony below:

Speaking at the ceremony, acting chief executive, Jacqui Van Rossum, said:

"We must never forget those who dedicated themselves to caring for others during the pandemic and this artwork will ensure their cherished contribution to the NHS will always be remembered. Each and every one of our lost seven colleagues were highly regarded and adored by those closest to them and I want to personally thank them for their incredible service to the NHS.”

At the ceremony, NELFT also launched a new Special Recognition Award, which was presented to the families, on behalf of their loved ones, for extraordinary services to the NHS. The new accolade is part of NELFT’s annual Make a Difference staff awards event, which recognises staff who have gone above and beyond what is ordinarily expected of them.

NELFT’s Chair, Joe Fielder, said:

“We felt it was only right that we recognise our lost colleagues with our new Make a Difference - Special Recognition Award. These awards are unique and will be placed in the history of NELFT – to ensure we, and our future generations, remember the sacrifices our colleagues made during the most challenging time in NHS history.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic seven members of NELFT have sadly died from COVID-19:

• Clive Myers - Public Governor, Redbridge
• Hero Kwadade - Community Mental Health Nurse, Barking & Dagenham
• Laura Orme - Medical Secretary, Redbridge
• Mark Paton - Practice Facilitator Community Mental Health, Corporate
• Dr Mamoona Rana - Psychiatry Registrar, Havering
• Dr Rajesh Kalraiya - Community Paediatrician, Havering
• Thomas Harvey - Health Care Assistant, Goodmayes Hospital 

Jack Myers (below), son of Clive Myers, said:

“It feels special to have my father, who is just a humble man, recognised in this way, and to meet other families and hear their stories. We should always thank our NHS. From families who lost loved ones or still have loved ones in the NHS, we should love them forever and work hard to keep the NHS moving forward pandemic or normality.”

[Sons Anthony (left) and Jack (right) receiving a Special Recognition Award from NELFT’s acting chief executive, Jacqui Van Rossum, on behalf of their father, Clive Myers, in front of commemorative rainbow artwork]

The artwork is mounted at NELFT’s headquarters at the CEME Centre, Rainham.

You can view more of the images from the ceremony below: