Staff, patients and visitors have been observing the National Day of Reflection at two Black Country NHS Trusts today – the three-year anniversary of the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown.

Hosted by Marie Curie, it is an opportunity to remember those who have died, support people who are grieving, and connect with each other.

A minute’s silence was held in the garden for reflection and remembrance at Walsall Manor Hospital, in a short service led by Chaplain Edd Stock. Attendees were given yellow pin badges and the main hospital building was lit up yellow this evening.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Patient Experience Team also invited people to write down their reflections on boards to pay tribute to those affected by COVID-19 and help teams focus on their achievements in among the many challenges created by the pandemic.

Reverend Laurel Woodstock led the service in the Heart and Lung Centre at New Cross Hospital. And Reverend Joe Fielder led a service in the Cannock Chase Hospital chapel.

 The Chaplaincy – Spiritual Care Team across Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust has been available throughout today for those who needed some support. And both Trusts also held a short service of reflection and thanksgiving at the Manor Hospital and New Cross Hospital’s chapels.

Edd and Joe said: “This opportunity to pause and reflect is important for our healthcare community and our wider community as we are united in our memories – some of which are still extremely painful – of a significant period in our history.

“There has been a mixture of tears and laughter as we collectively look back over this time and remember those we have loved and lost as well as taking a moment to be proud of some of the instances we can recall of outstanding care or simply going above and beyond to make a difference where we could.”