A reflection wall has been created at Walsall Manor Hospital for staff, visitors and patients to share their memories and thoughts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a national focus being held this weekend.

Hosted by Marie Curie, the National Day of Reflection is an opportunity to remember those who have died, support people who are grieving, and connect with each other. It is being marked on Sunday 3 March this year but has been held on the anniversary of the UK’s first lockdown previously.

Staff from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Patient Relations Team have installed the reflection wall which is available at the Welcome Hub in the Main Atrium of the Manor Hospital.

Stephanie Cartwright, Group Director of Place for Walsall Together and OneWolverhampton partnerships and Rachel Barber, Associate Non-Executive Director for Walsall Healthcare, were among the first to add their messages earlier today.

Stephanie said: “I think it’s important to recognise this day of reflection for so many people. From an Executive and Board member’s perspective, it is important to be in touch with our staff and people’s experiences.”

Rachel: “It is lovely to see people’s heartfelt messages and I am really happy to have the opportunity to put my own message on the board to show my support for this day.”

The wall is open to all, and people’s contributions don’t just have to be about those who lost their lives to the virus – it can be for any memories and thoughts connected to the pandemic as well as a way of supporting those who have been bereaved.

Garry Perry, Associate Director – Patient Voice – at Walsall Healthcare, added: “It may have been almost four years since the pandemic but there are so many of us whose lives have not been the same since, whether that’s through loss or through joyful experiences. We appreciate that being in a hospital environment in particular may stir strong feelings and we just wanted to give people an opportunity to share these at a time of national reflection.”