After a year like no other, this week Royal Surrey celebrated the 73rd birthday of the NHS.
Thanks to the wonderful team from Royal Surrey Charity, staff across the Trust were able to host their own tea parties after receiving treat-filled hampers.
Our charity colleagues worked with the Farnham Freemasons, Farnham Roundtable, Rapid Relief, Biddles of Guildford, and Bookers in Aldershot, to provide the goodies.
We were delighted to welcome the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Susan Lochner, who joined Finance Director, Ross Dunworth, in handing out some of the hampers. You can watch a message from Susan on our YouTube channel.
There was also fruit, kindly donated by Tesco Guildford, that was handed out by Medical Director Dr Marianne Illsley, Chief Operating Officer Bob Peet and Chief Nurse Jo Mountjoy as staff arrived at the main hospital site.
Among the birthday well wishes came a special message from Good Life actress, Felicity Kendal, which you can also watch on our YouTube channel.
We shared a heartfelt video from two patients, Joanna and Sam, who both spent a number of weeks in our care after contracting Covid-19 last year. Listen to their very poignant and moving stories on Royal Surrey YouTube.
The icing on our cake, which made the day extra special, was the news that Her Majesty the Queen has awarded the NHS the George Cross, recognising the heroism of all NHS staff during the Coronavirus pandemic. Congratulations for a grand achievement!