Media Release
Date: 23 March 2022
RUH marks two years of COVID-19
A service to mark two years since the first national COVID-19 lockdown took place today at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, on the National Day of Reflection.
Since the start of the pandemic, so far the RUH has cared for more than 2,500 COVID-19 patients in inpatient wards, and thousands more in areas like the Emergency Department.
The National Day of Reflection was a chance to pause, remember those whose lives have been lost, and reflect on the professional and personal impact of the past two years.
Chief Nurse Toni Lynch, who did a reading at the service, said: “It has been a devastating time for us all - patients, their loved ones, staff and our wider community - so it felt really important for us to take a moment to pause and reflect.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of every single patient who has died during the pandemic. We recognise that all families have been affected, even if their loss was unrelated to COVID-19 - many people haven’t been able to grieve in the way they normally would.
“The National Day of Reflection has also been a time to reflect on the challenges we have faced. I am very proud of the whole RUH team for the way we have come together in the face of adversity, through some very difficult times.”
The service in the hospital's Spiritual Care Centre was led by Lead Chaplin Narinder Tegally, and included readings and the nationwide minute’s silence at 12 noon.
With the RUH continuing to follow social distancing, people were invited to watch the service in a Facebook livestream, rather than attending in person. The service is available to view on the RUH's Facebook page.
Toni added: “While it is important to reflect and remember, we also acknowledge that the pandemic sadly is not yet over. We are still caring for COVID-19 patients, and unfortunately this does have an ongoing impact on our other hospital services.
“I know that the last two years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, but we are asking our community to continue supporting us by ensuring that together we keep the hospital safe. That includes still wearing face masks within the RUH, and not coming in for appointments or visits if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.”
ENDS