9 July 2020

Claire Murdoch, Chief Executive, CNWL

Memorial Service 8 July 2020

I stand here today with sadness and pride.

It is a privilege to speak on behalf of the Board, the NHS and myself, as we remember, grieve for and celebrate our greatly missed and cherished colleagues.

We are hurting and want to send our love to families who join us today.  We salute you and thank you for sharing your loved one with us in the NHS.

Throughout the pandemic, CNWL colleagues have been simply awesome.  Many of you have been very poorly yourselves with COVID; have lost family, friends and patients.  You have felt fear and loss.

Yet despite this, you, like the colleagues we are here to remember today, stepped forward to serve, when the country called.  For that we thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, even as we acknowledge that this is not yet over.

Since their passing, we have learned so much about the colleagues we have lost. 

Their passions, skills, kindness, professionalism and hopes.  

Their contributions to the NHS and their teams.  Close colleagues of course already know these things.

Each dear sole lost was unique, loved and is missed terribly.

Each of them contributed so much to this gloriously diverse and precious NHS of ours, over years and in some cases decades.

 

They touched people’s lives.

They changed people’s lives.

They made a difference and we are better because they were part of us.  They remain part of us, our story, our beating heart.

We will not forget them and we will build on their precious legacy.

We are hurting but we are determined to look forward, keep hope in our hearts and work hard to care for our patients and each other and to be a credit to the memory of those we have lost.

A hand of love and support is extended, always to their families and we wish them courage and strength in the days, months and years ahead. 

As the darkness subsides, we hope the light and brilliance of their loved ones, our colleagues, shines bright and brings them comfort and pride.

 

Claire also read Michael Rosen’s poem: These are the hands

 (with his permission)

 

These are the hands
That touch us first
Feel your head
Find the pulse
And make your bed.

 

These are the hands
That tap your back
Test the skin
Hold your arm
Wheel the bin
Change the bulb
Fix the drip
Pour the jug
Replace your hip.

 

These are the hands
That fill the bath
Mop the floor
Flick the switch
Soothe the sore
Burn the swabs
Give us a jab
Throw out sharps
Design the lab.

 

And these are the hands
That stop the leaks
Empty the pan
Wipe the pipes
Carry the can
Clamp the veins
Make the cast
Log the dose
And touch us last.