Professor Jason Leitch has paid a heartfelt tribute to all health and social care staff across Lanarkshire.
The national clinical director also told how he was he was ‘genuinely inspired’ and filled with ‘hope for the future’ following a recent visit to University Hospital Hairmyres and Hunter Community Health Centre in East Kilbride.
Health and social care representatives talked Professor Leitch through the spirit of partnership throughout the pandemic, exemplary ongoing work and the continued, unstinting commitment of staff and partners.
“I’ve had a fantastic day,” he said in a video clip. “I’ve met staff from every level of the organisation, from executives, to the clinical teams and support staff in health and social care.”
At Hairmyres he visited the flow navigation centre, medical assessment unit, high-risk respiratory pathway and facilities management staff.
“It’s been a real privilege to have the opportunity to thank them and also to hear their real stories of what it feels like to work in NHS Lanarkshire. The good and the bad. Most people have had a smile on their face but I know it’s been tough.
“It’s been hard for staff, their families and those who support them. Every single staff member has mentioned the patients and the families they serve. That passion and desire to be person centred feels real.”
Following the subsequent visit to Hunter Community Health Centre, Professor Leitch said in an additional video clip: “(Meeting all the staff) has been genuinely inspiring and it gives you hope. It gives you hope that we’re going to get through this phase, which has been really challenging in the last few weeks. But hope also for the future.
“I’ve seen multi-disciplinary working, I’ve seen person and resident-centred care, I’ve seen people think about how they might change their practice, how they might think about what the next phase is – for care at home, for antibiotics in your house, for linking health and social care together . . . whatever that might be.
“So thank you to everyone for all you’ve done – and I look forward to the future.”
NHS Lanarkshire chief executive Heather Knox accompanied Professor Leitch on his visit to Hairmyres and said: “We were delighted to welcome Professor Jason Leitch. He got the opportunity to meet with a wide range of staff and recognised their phenomenal effort over the past couple of challenging years.”
Mr Soumen Sengupta, director, health and social care for South Lanarkshire, who led the visit to Hunter Community Health Centre, said:
“The dedication, innovation and good humour of our staff shone through during the visit, as it does on a day-to-day basis.
“Professor Leitch’s reflections and recognition amplifies the pride we feel for our staff and partners for their exceptional, ongoing work.”
Videos
Professor Leitch thanks staff following visit to University Hospital Hairmyres.
Professor Leitch offers a reflection following visit to Hunter Community Health Centre.
