Love letters to NHS highlight public affection for local health and care workers

Valentine’s Day has prompted an outpouring of love for those working in the NHS across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Dozens of heart-warming letters thanking colleagues for all they have done during a particularly challenging winter have filled the letterboxes of the local integrated care board over the last few weeks.

Now, on what is considered to be the most romantic day of the year, each of the messages of appreciation will be shared for all to see online and across social media.

Dr Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Our local NHS goes above and beyond every single day.

“Health and care workers do amazing things, and it is only right that we take the time to acknowledge the exemplary work that happens on a daily basis in our hospitals, GP practices and ambulances, as well as all those other locations where people are being helped to live well.

“The Valentine’s Day messages that I have read really do show that there is a lot of love out there for NHS staff, and I hope all of my colleagues across the region can take some comfort from the fact their work has such an impact on so many.”

Staff at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon were among the recipients of a Valentine’s Day thank you, with one former patient highlighting colleagues’ attention and professionalism.

The card wrote: “During the increased workload over the pandemic, and with the continued squeeze on finances, I have found the hospital-based treatment met my expectations and needs.”

Elsewhere, primary care staff at Three Chequers Medical Practice in Salisbury were on the receiving end of a message describing their service as nothing short of excellent.

Kind words also came in for a number of NHS teams whose work takes place behind closed doors, including the Prescription Ordering Direct service and the Patient Advice and Complaints Team.

As well as letters from the public, many NHS workers chose to get involved in the Valentine’s fun by sending a love-filled message to their closest colleagues.

It is hoped that the Valentine’s cards will help to raise morale among colleagues who have been working flat-out on the frontline during one of the busiest winters, and potentially the busiest, on record.

It is still not too late to send words of appreciation to an NHS colleague or team, with people encouraged to share their messages on the ICB’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

Alternatively, people can send an email to bswicb.communciations@nhs.net.

All the Valentine’s messages received will be posted online at www.bswtogether.org.uk and shared across the ICB’s various social media channels.