Staff from Walsall Manor will be taking part in a service to mark the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, together with Walsall Community Network and Walsall Council, will mark the event on the National Day of Reflection (9 March) with a civic service in Pelsall. The service will be held at St Michael and All Angels Church, Pelsall on 9 March from 4pm to 5pm.
It will be led by the Reverend Alison Morris, Vicar at St Michael and attended by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE and the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris.
The service will remember those who lost their lives to COVID-19, reflect on the personal and collective experiences during the pandemic and give thanks to the health and social care staff, key workers and volunteers who supported their communities.
More than 100 invited guests from different organisations, businesses and faith and community groups across the borough are expected to attend the service, which will include reflections, music, multi-faith prayers, and a symbolic act of candle lighting to honour loved ones.
Dr Aditya Kuravi, Clinical Director for Theatres, Anaesthetics and Critical Care at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “The pandemic proved to be an incredibly challenging time for teams in our ICU at the hospital as we worked together to do our best for our patients and their families.
“We had never experienced anything like this, and it still seems a surreal time when we look back at everything that happened. But I’m proud of how we pulled together, I’m proud of the colleagues who were redeployed into ICU to help us and I’m proud of everything our community services did at that time.
“The Day of Reflection reminds us all of those we have loved and lost, and they are in our thoughts and prayers. It also gives us an opportunity to appreciate all we have and to say another thank you to all those in our communities who offered fantastic support too, whether it was making scrubs or supplying food and drinks and sending donations in to keep us all going.”
In addition, a minute’s silence will be held in the garden for reflection and remembrance, at the front of Walsall Manor Hospital, at 11.50am on 7 March.
Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council reflects on Walsall’s involvement in and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said: “During COVID-19, our health and social care staff, key workers, organisations and many more stepped up to support our communities, from acts of kindness to making sacrifices for others. Their selfless acts of kindness and sacrifice were a phenomenal response to the crisis, and I commend everyone who contributed to supporting our communities during this difficult time.
“On this day of reflection, we also remember the many lives tragically lost to COVID-19 since March 2020. My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and loved ones.
“This March, we will gather to show our support for one another. I encourage you to take part in a way that suits you and how you would like to remember and reflect. “
Reverend Alison Morris, Vicar at St Michael and All Angels Church, Pelsall, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the COVID-19 Day of Reflection memorial service in Pelsall. This will be dedicated to all those whose lives were lost during COVID-19, our key workers, health and social care staff, organisations, volunteers and many more.
“It will be a special time to pay tribute, express gratitude and share experiences, as well as reflection. “