Statement from Louise Stead, Chief Executive and Sue Sjuve, Chair of Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust:
All at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust are deeply saddened by the news that Her Majesty the Queen has passed away. Our heartfelt condolences are with the Royal Family at this time.
The Queen dedicated her life to public service and as Royal Surrey's Patron had a close personal connection with the Trust. She first visited the Guildford site in 1981 to open the Royal Surrey as we currently know it and then returned 16 years later to open St Luke’s Cancer Centre (which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year). We are extremely proud of our royal links and history and you can read more about this here.
More recently it was a very proud day when the Queen awarded NHS Staff the George Cross earlier this year, in recognition of each individual’s compassion and courage over the 74 years but particularly during the pandemic.
We will be doing various things throughout the national period of mourning to recognise and celebrate The Queen’s life of outstanding service, beginning today with a one minute silence at midday.