This past week was literally an eventful one – full of events! As Chief Executive I’m invited to attend a lot of events, but this has been a particularly busy time.
We were really pleased to celebrate the NHS 60th anniversary. Alison Norman, our Director of Nursing and Governance, rose to the occasion magnificently by carrying out a ward round in full 1948 matron’s outfit. It generated a real buzz around the hospital – not least because she had them all standing to attention and shining their shoes.
Sinatra songs in the dining room added to the 40’s feel, and I was also pleased to be able to meet up with some of our staff and volunteers who share the NHS’s 60th birthday. Ivan Lewis, care services minister and MP for Bury South visited the same day, and as well as meeting with our patients and staff, heard about our plans to build the new £35 million patient treatment centre and saw our new surgical robot, the first in the North West.
Talking of long service, it was a privilege to meet Mary Walker, head of the Women’s Trust Fund who got an MBE for services to fundraising, as well as some of our most dedicated fundraisers. Now in their eighties, they have been raising money for the Christie for 60 years, which shows incredible commitment.
As always the marathon runners’ reception was an emotional and humbling occasion, as one by one the runners got up and shared their stories. Another timely reminder of why we all work so hard here at the Christie. I’ve met some truly inspirational people this week.
