Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) in October 2022 held their annual dinner at the University Arms in Cambridge. The invitation to this glamourous occasion was extended to hospital staff in recognition for their service. 

Representatives from Ipswich Hospital's Radiology Department, Johnathan Benmore and Melayney Grimwood McCourt (pictured above) receiving a cheque for £2,500 from Nicola and Mr Adrian Catchpole, CIBSE’s President Elect.

Hospital Hero Nicola Booth, senior project design manager, at East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) nominated the  Staff Wellbeing Fund to benefit from the proceeds of the event. Nicola Said, “I chose to support the Ipswich and Colchester Hospitals Charity and more specifically the Staff wellbeing fund because, We all faced struggles during the pandemic, not being able to see friends and extended family; juggling work and home-school often resulting in long days; being furloughed and worried about our jobs, to name a few. 

On top of the general struggles faced by the whole population, there were the additional challenges and dangers which those in the NHS faced, to continue to keep us and our families safe, as well as continuing to provide the essential healthcare services they already provide. Often dealing with working long hours, preventing to their very best, the loss of life we saw through the pandemic, giving support and nurture to families who were unable to visit their loved ones as well as providing the support and nurture to their patients who not only were fighting for their lives, but were unable to see their loved ones, which is such an important part of peoples recovery.

To do this many staff members had to make difficult decisions, to leave their family homes and live on site or in nearby facilities, so that they didn’t put their families or their patients, at risk and as we know, being separated from those you love is really hard on our mental wellbeing, but to also be separated from our immediate loved ones and being totally isolated, is even harder.

The staff wellbeing fund provides support to those who are continuing to struggle with their mental wellbeing post the pandemic ensuring that they are given the tools and treatment needed to help them grow stronger and overcome.

The various teams at Ipswich hospital provided vital support to my husband and saved his life prior to the pandemic, for which I will be forever grateful. The people in the NHS are extraordinary, compassionate and every day, do their best to make a difference for others. Let us reflect on what they did for us and take the time to give back to them. “

Our thanks to CIBSE and Nicola for their generous support and donation. 

[Pictured - CIBSE Annual Dinner Top Table]

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