A Christmas letter from Stacey Hunter, Salisbury District Hospital CEO

Stacey Hunter, CEO at Salisbury District Hospital, has written to Love Salisbury to share a Christmas and New Year's message to the local community.

It reads:

“As we near the end of 2021, we’re approaching a time where I hope you will all be able to gather with your family and friends to celebrate Christmas, if this is something that’s meaningful to you. If not, I hope you have an opportunity to just rest and reflect on quite the extraordinary year that I’m sure you’ve all had.

"It would be wrong of me not to acknowledge that for my colleagues, and our local partners, that we’ve all had another really challenging year. I am exceptionally proud to be part of the NHS and I am proud of all of the staff here at the hospital. At times every day can seem relentless, but I know everyone strives to give our patients the compassionate care and treatment they need and deserve. Our teams are having to respond to sustained levels of pressure and have been incredible in their ongoing commitment and dedication in serving our local communities.

"I would also like to thank you, our local community, for your continued support and the response you’ve had to the recent COVID-19 booster programme - with nearly ten thousand vaccinations given since Monday 13th December at the Salisbury City Hall Vaccination Centre. However, I would still like to urge you all to remain cautious and take the appropriate precautions to avoid COVID-19 transmission, such as mask wearing in crowded places, good hand hygiene and keeping rooms well ventilated when socialising with loved ones over the next few weeks. And remember it is never too late to get a first vaccine."

"This holiday period will see the hospital open as usual with staff working around the clock delivering babies, tending to the ill, managing emergencies, feeding our patients and maintaining the buildings. You can help them all by using NHS services wisely. Please keep a well-stocked home medicine cabinet and use your community pharmacy for advice. If you are unwell visit NHS 111 online or give them a call and they will be able to get the appropriate help you need. Our A&E is always open, but please remember that we will always prioritise emergency and critical care over more minor concerns so you may have to wait to be seen.

"I would like to finish by saying that as we approach the holiday period, many people will be looking forward to taking some days off but thousands of NHS staff, along with other care services, will still be caring for patients and keeping the nation running. I’d like to thank those of you who will be at work, as well as all of you in the NHS and care services for your hard work throughout the year.

"May I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!”