The Trust is encouraging staff, who are not directly caring for patients, to observe the Two Minute Silence at 11:00am on Tuesday 11 November. It is also conducting a Trustwide ‘digital silence’ of texts, emails and tweets. There's also a section on its website where people can find out more about the role of health workers during the Great War.
As part of its Remembrance service in the Chapel, the Hospital Chaplain will also remember the role of health professionals – who, during wartime, fought to save lives sometimes in the most horrific of circumstances.
Speaking about the role of nurses during war, Director of Nursing, Chris Perry said: “Nurses like Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole are very famous for their accomplishments of nursing during wartime. In fact some of the nursing techniques we still use today originated from those developed during war.
“Nursing today is very different and a ‘war’ may not be one fought on a battle line. This Armistice Day, my thoughts will be with nurses across the globe battling diseases like Ebola and putting their own lives at risk every day to care for others. “
Miss Bee Martin, Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Medical Director said: “Innovations at the time of the First World War led to huge advantages in the fields of neuro-surgery, plastic, orthopaedic, vascular and general surgery. Sadly, injuries inflicted in more recent conflicts have led to great improvements in the management of major blast wounds, bleeding and prosthetics.
“This isn’t something that affected us in the past. Some of our staff at Weston have gone as medical professionals to care for people during recent conflicts in place such as Afghanistan. During the two minute silence I will be reflecting on the plight of all clinical staff in modern day war zones. Some may be equipped to at least the level of the NHS, but nevertheless are working in very challenging circumstances.
“I will also be thinking of those striving to save lives and reduce disability with very limited resource in other areas of conflict.”