As the new NHS Chief Executive, Iβd like to thank staff for everything you have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Iβve always been incredibly proud to work for the NHS since I joined as a graduate trainee and I have never been prouder of what weβve achieved. 1/10
On behalf of the whole NHS, I want to offer my condolences to the loved ones of Deborah James β her amazing attitude was humbling and a lesson to us all.
Her fundraising has helped countless cancer patients and her determination to raise awareness will have saved many lives.
As we head into the autumn, I want to thank my NHS colleagues for the work you have done, and continue to do, in what have been very challenging circumstances. 𧡠1/20
To all my NHS colleagues working tonight and over the weekend: thank you. I know how much pressure all services are under, but particularly ambulance and urgent and emergency care - ahead of what is often the busiest night of the year.
The NHS has today begun the world's largest trial of a new blood test that detects more than 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear. By finding cancer early, we have the best chance of treating it and giving people the best possible chance of survival.
The NHS team played a crucial role in bringing children from Ukraine to England for cancer treatment yesterday. Thank you to our remarkable NHS colleagues who came together to make this happen quickly and with such compassion. The NHS will continue to help in any way we can.
Thank you to everyone for sending such kind and supportive messages over the past few weeks as I started as
@NHSEngland
Chief Executive.
A personal favourite was this card from Aurora (10) and Lyra (7)! π
It was an extraordinary honour to represent the NHS at the Coronation service.
Many colleagues were also part of this historic occasion, reflecting the respect and admiration the Royal Family has for the NHS and the work our dedicated staff do.
I am incredibly saddened to hear Her Majesty The Queen has passed away.
We remember her decades of dedication and service, and unwavering support of the NHS. On behalf of colleagues across the NHS, I send my heartfelt condolences to the
@RoyalFamily
.
The children evacuated to England from Ukraine are now being cared for in NHS specialist services. Today is a lifeline for children in the most vulnerable circumstances. Thank you to my NHS colleagues providing hope to our new patients and their families.
On behalf of the NHS, Iβm really sorry to hear this shocking news. Our thoughts are with the Princess of Wales and the Royal Family, especially while her treatment continues.
On Christmas Day, NHS staff will dispatch around 20,000 ambulances, serve 100,000 Christmas dinners in hospitals, and deliver 1,500 babies, as they do every year.
Thank you to the incredible NHS staff working really hard over the Christmas and New Year period.
Ahead of what is often one of the busiest nights of the year, I want to say thank you to NHS colleagues working tonight and over the bank holiday.
We are seeing record demand, particularly in urgent and emergency care, and I know you are working incredibly hard to meet it.
Since day one, the NHS has never stood still. It has continually innovated and adapted to meet the changing needs of our patients β and continues to do so.
To everyone who's made such a difference to many millions of lives over the last 75 years β thank you.
Thank you for the kind messages - very humbling. Iβm really proud to be taking up this important new role
@NHSEngland
/
@NHSImprovement
. Sad to be leaving
@GSTTnhs
, but I will take our values with me and I know the fabulous team
@GSTTnhs
will continue to thrive.
We are delighted to announce today that Amanda Pritchard has been appointed as the NHSβ Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive of NHS Improvement.
It was a huge privilege to represent the NHS at a ceremony which so movingly reflected the enormous sense of loss, but also gratitude for a life well lived, which is felt not just across the health service but our whole country.
Two years ago, the NHS administered the worldβs first COVID vaccine outside of a clinical trial. Staff and volunteers went on to deliver the largest vaccine roll-out in NHS history β supercharging the nationβs immunity and allowing friends and families to be together again.
Our NHS people continue to go above and beyond to respond to the needs of our patients and it is hugely appreciated - thank you for all you are doing. 10/10
By 8pm tonight, 545,000 bookings had been made today for Covid-19 booster protection. It is fantastic to see so many people respond to the call to arms to get the country protected against omicron
#GetBoosted
This is Rachel. Her badge says sheβs a Senior Health Records Officer. Not that sheβs a black single mother & sometimes struggles with depression & anxiety. Nor that sheβs a Governor, Inclusion Agent, leader, reverse mentor, role model & superwoman!
#seethepersonnotthebadge
It was an honour to attend the George Cross ceremony at Windsor Castle today on behalf of our incredible NHS staff.
I was there with May Parsons, who delivered the first approved Covid-19 vaccine, and is one of the hundreds of thousands of colleagues who make the NHS what it is.
On behalf of the whole NHS, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bill Turnbull.
Billβs openness in speaking about his prostate cancer encouraged thousands more men to come forward for help β undoubtedly saving many lives.
We're sad to hear about the death of Bill Turnbull from prostate cancer.
1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer β that's a dad, brother, uncle or best mate. Read about the symptoms, causes and tests for prostate cancer, and share with your loved ones. β¬οΈ
Every day our NHS colleagues are performing tiny miracles in the way they care for patients and each other. Another amazing example of remarkable people doing everything they can to make a difference.
When five-year-old Izzy came to
@WorcsAcuteNHS
for her chemotherapy, nurses Baylon and Emma surprised her with a special performance after finding out she loved ballet.
Thank you to our NHS colleagues who go above and beyond every day to care for our patients. π
#WorldCancerDay
Brilliant, insightful, challenging conversation with Rachel, my new inspirational reverse mentor and a Senior Health Records Officer
@GSTTnhs
. Her challenge to me: βyouβve got all the way to the top, now send the ladder back down.β Spot on.
Supporting the health and wellbeing of all our NHS staff will continue to be central to our future strategy and recovery. I do not underestimate the scale of the task we face and while I am realistic, I am also optimistic. 9/10
Good luck to everyone getting their
#ALevelResults
today.
Over my career I have been privileged to work with so many talented, compassionate and inspiring people. If youβre thinking about your next steps β I can't recommend a career in the NHS strongly enough.
#WeAreTheNHS
NHS colleagues are working hard in what is proving to be the most challenging winter ever, and I want to take some time to reflect on the incredible work you do and thank everyone who helps the NHS continue to care for more than 1.3 million people every day.
Whether youβre a porter, nurse, paramedic, chef, midwife, pharmacist, or any of the thousands of NHS people working this bank holiday β THANK YOU! π
And to the public, if you need medical help this weekend, use first, and we'll get you the help you need.
The dedication, skill and compassion of NHS staff have been matched by innovation, agility and a βcan doβ spirit that kept vital services running while our hospitals cared for more than 400,000 COVID patients. 2/10
This week marks a year since I became Chief Executive of the NHS. The last 12 months have seen our brilliant staff not only deal with further waves of Covid, but also the growing demand for our services β and itβs been a pleasure to meet so many of you.
Yesterday was the biggest day yet for Covid booster jabs: more than 325,000 people getting vital protection. In the past three days over 800,000 people have had their booster jab.
Thank you for coming forward, and if you're eligible, book your jab today.
All this alongside the NHS vaccination programme which has been an unparalleled success, delivering more than 71 million doses and giving full protection to more than 32 million people. 3/10
The pandemic has required many of you to make considerable personal sacrifice β working beyond your normal hours for long stretches, taking on new and difficult roles at real speed and having to cope with deeply distressing circumstances, including losing valued colleagues. 8/10
I'm deeply saddened to hear about our
@SECAmbulance
colleague who tragically died whilst on duty yesterday.
On behalf of everyone in the NHS, our condolences go to her family, friends and colleagues, and my thoughts are also with the two colleagues injured in the accident.
It is with huge sadness that we confirm the death of a paramedic involved in a collision on the A21, near Tonbridge, Kent, yesterday evening (5 January 2022). A full statement is available here:
The diversity of the NHS is one of our greatest strengths. This
#BlackHistoryMonth
it was great to meet colleagues at
@BartsHospital
to hear how they are making a difference for staff so they can provide the best possible care for patients.
βSussex NHS physio team slashes their waiting list with one-day eventsβ
This is a great example of how NHS teams are coming up with innovative and community-based solutions to help people get the treatment they need more quickly. β¬οΈ
Thank you to
@SurreyHeartland
vaccine clinic in Reigate for hosting my first visit as
@NHSEngland
Chief Executive. It was a pleasure to meet colleagues delivering lifesaving COVID jabs, whilst also trialling blood pressure checks for people getting their vaccine.
Iβm delighted to join over 17 million people in England who have had their Covid booster jab - almost one year to the day since the NHS delivered the worldβs first Covid vaccination. Many thanks to colleagues at Junction Pharmacy in Brixton for giving me my booster and flu jabs.
The NHS response to the pandemic has now entered a new, but no less challenging, phase. This means we will need the same determination, team-work and innovation that have served us so well over the last 18 months. 4/10
Amid these pressures, I know colleagues share my determination to deliver the long term improvements in treatment and care which, coupled with a renewed focus on prevention, will enable many more people to live longer and more fulfilling lives. 5/10
Doctor
@MJGriksaitis
, consultant paediatric intensivist at University Hospital Southampton, led the incredible team of doctors, nurses and technicians to help bring 21 children from Ukraine to England for lifesaving cancer treatment yesterday.
We must harness this power to ensure everyone can access the care they need, prevent illness and provide better treatment, and deliver on our long term ambitions to tackle major killers like cancer and stroke, saving many more lives. 7/10
New Year's Eve is usually one of the busiest nights of the year across the NHS, especially in urgent and emergency care, which is already facing significant demand.
While many are out celebrating, lots of our NHS staff are working and looking after people tonight.
Fantastic first 3 days in my new role. Iβve met committed, talented people
@NHSImprovement
@NHSEngland
in London & Leeds & it was a real privilege to talk to
@Thea_Stein
about what
@LCHNHSTrust
is doing, with partners, to integrate primary, community & social care - inspirational
Weβve had another extraordinary 12 months. From the biggest and fastest vaccination programme in health service history, to rolling out some of the most advanced treatments in the world, staff continue to be there for our patients and communities.
The summer normally gives the NHS an opportunity to catch our breath, but this has been the NHSβs toughest summer and, in many ways, much more like some of the difficult winters we have all experienced. 2/20
We donβt always get things right and I really want to encourage people continue to speak to us about these issues so we can make the right decisions for our patients and staff.
Great to meet colleagues at
@MKHospital
β thanks to
@JoeHMK
and the team for hosting me and
@sajidjavid
Fantastic to see the NHS innovations possible through tech and hear directly from frontline staff how they are tackling some of the challenges we are facing across the service
With
#NHS
staff under more pressure than ever before, weβre prioritising the mental wellbeing of the NHS workforce so they can deliver the best care for their patients. With your support, we can bring this figure down.
Find out more π
#SuportGoesBothWays
Over the last two years, NHS colleagues have sacrificed so much for others β they have given their all to look after over 600,000 people in hospital with COVID, as well as protecting the country at speed through lifesaving vaccinations.
On my visit to
@Ldn_Ambulance
, I saw staff responding with such compassion, professionalism and kindness to people in need.
In the face of continued high demand and as we prepare for a busy winter, I want to thank my colleagues across the NHS for everything you are doing.
Finding out you have cancer can be very daunting - we hope King Charlesβ treatment goes well.
As ever, if you have any symptoms or signs of cancer, please do come forward for checks.
Working in the NHS, youβll treat people from all walks of life, becoming part of each patient's story. Whether these moments are big, small, joyful or sad, you see life from all angles.
Search 'NHS Careers' today.
#WeAreTheNHS
Since 1948, the NHS has relied on amazing staff from across the world β starting with the Windrush generation. 75 years on, many descendants continue to work in the NHS.
I had the pleasure of meeting Carol, a matron at
@ImperialNHS
and a descendant of the Windrush generation. β¬οΈ
In my time in the NHS I've never seen this level of pressure, staff are treating more people than ever, whether thatβs GP appointments, A&E attendances or category one ambulance call outs.
Weβve launched a plan to help, including more beds and ambulances across the country.
Today weβve published a new blueprint to help recover urgent and emergency care services, reduce waiting times and improve patient experience.
Find out more.
The experience during the Omicron wave must be the final reminder, if one were needed, that a long term plan for the workforce is essential, and Iβll continue to work hard and make the case for that plan to deliver and get the backing it needs, for staff and patients alike. 26/27
Primary care, which has always been the front door to the NHS, has been right at the coalface, delivering over 100 million appointments. We have also seen colleagues in mental health and community working hard to deal with the impact of Covid in face of increasing demand. 6/20
GPs and their teams have played a crucial role in the NHS vaccination programme, the biggest and most successful in health service history, and we have now moved into the next phase as we administer booster jabs and school vaccinations ahead of winter. 7/20
Fantastic morning shadowing Anu, my brilliant reverse mentor, on the critical care unit at Guyβs Hospital
@GSTTnhs
. Great insight into real life on the front line!
Thank you to all colleagues who have helped shape the
@NHSX
guidance on digital transformation, published today. Digital transformation is an essential enabler for the NHS to help patients and staff and will make a big difference to the future of the NHS.
To mark the
#NHSBirthday
I chatted to members of
@NHSYouthForum
β who I'm sure are some of our leaders of the future.
Thank you all for sharing your insights with me, and I look forward to hearing and learning more from you as the NHS heads into our 75th year.
As NHS colleagues pull out all the stops to offer booster protection to all eligible adults by the end of the month, we need the support of the public and volunteers to support the Covid vaccination programme. Find out how you can help us save lives.
I recently visited the sickle cell service at
@WhitHealth
, and Stephanie told me what it felt like to have a sickle cell crisis and her experience of seeking help.
She said the way she was treated had made her put off seeking help when she needed it most, and this has to change.
Unpaid carers are essential partners for the NHS, whose incredible contributions each and every day we should all recognise and value. Thank you, especially to my NHS colleagues who also care for someone, for all that you do.
Nearly 1 in 3 of our NHS colleagues identify themselves as unpaid carers.
This
#CarersWeek
, we'd like to give recognition and thanks to all carers, who provide invaluable care to their loved ones.
Find more information on our commitment to carers.
I spent time at
@nhsswft
with
@Marthakearney
this week and heard about their work getting people who may not need to be in hospital the care they need in the community or at home β this is better for patients, their families and eases pressure on the NHS.
I visited
@KingsCollegeNHS
, to hear how they're responding to a rise in Omicron cases and winter pressures.
We're a week into 2022 but for some colleagues it already feels like it's been a long year. We are working together and supporting each other to provide care for patients.
We will review the mental health offer for all staff so that we have the right services that reach the whole workforce, that are sustainable for the future. And over the coming weeks, we will be discussing what more we will be doing to improve your working lives.
Urgent and emergency care and ambulance services are under particular strain, but I know how hard you and your teams are working across all parts of the system to deliver the very best patient care. 3/20
Iβve really enjoyed meeting so many talented and dedicated colleagues across the NHS at this yearβs
@ConfedExpo
.
Hearing how colleagues continue to go above and beyond for their communities, in so many ways, makes me very proud to be part of the NHS.
It was great speaking to Jay, Reielle and
@BradGudger
, founder of
@AlikeUK
, to hear about their experiences of cancer care in the NHS. On
#WorldCancerDay
, their stories are a reminder about the power of community and personalised care provided by our amazing NHS colleagues.
NHS teams across the country are working hard to address COVID-19 backlogs. So it was great to meet colleagues at
@RBNHSFT
and hear about how they're using new and innovative ways to make sure patients access services as quickly as possible. Thank you to the team for having me.
We must not, however, forget everything we have achieved. Over the last four months around five million patients have begun elective treatment, about 90% of pre-pandemic levels and almost twice the number as the same time last year. 4/20
Last week I went to Hull to see some of the fantastic work happening across the city by some truly excellent NHS teams, but the person I want to talk about is Jeanette.
Jeanette has worked in the housekeeping team at
@HullHospitals
since 1972 and is retiring next year.
Meeting baby Oliver and mum Sara yesterday was incredibly special β seeing first-hand the benefits for patients and families of world-leading genomic innovation in the NHS. You can read more about his fantastic treatment from the staff at
@CUH_NHS
here:
Wishing everyone getting exam results today the best of luck. If you are thinking about where next, pick something you really care about, just like I did with a career in the NHS.
Thanks to the students at
@DurhamJohnston
for hearing my
@speakrs4schools
, I hope today goes well.
I had an excellent day yesterday at
@MTWnhs
speaking to clinicians and staff from across
@NHSKentMedway
about how they are maximising the use of data to get patients the care they need faster.
Today, I am at
@NHSProviders
conference, setting out the new and ambitious target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
The NHS will deliver this target through its dedicated, skilled and compassionate staff. π§΅β¬οΈ
It was crystal clear that this service is a lifeline for many of you β we are very grateful to
@NHSPracHealth
who we worked with over the weekend to sort a 12-month extension so there has been no gap in this service.
More urgent cancer checks have been carried out this summer than were happening before the pandemic struck, while other diagnostic checks are also hugely up on last year and approaching pre-Covid levels. 5/20
The George Cross award recognises the courage, compassion and skill of our NHS staff, and I'm honoured to be attending on their behalf next week.
It's for our nurses, doctors, cleaners, paramedics, porters, therapists and everyone working in the NHS.
It will not be enough to simply work harder and do more of the same. We need to bring the same spirit of innovation that saw us transform care in the response to the pandemic to find new ways to tackle new challenges. 14/20
This is the first national service of its kind in the world and is a fantastic moment for the NHS. It will enable us to rapidly find a diagnosis for seriously ill children and babies and potentially save their lives. π
When a child comes to intensive care, timing is everything. From today NHS colleagues can quickly diagnose what is causing children and babies to become seriously ill with a world-first national genetic testing service.
This could save lives, like baby Reubenβs. π½
I would like to thank
@DOckendenLtd
for her report setting out the terrible failings suffered by families at what should have been the most special time of their lives. We are deeply sorry for the loss and the heartbreak they have had to endure. 1/2
All this has been achieved despite much higher numbers of Covid patients in hospitals than last summer, and those numbers have been rising. The NHS currently has just under 6,000 inpatients with the virus, up from fewer than 800 in May and around 600 this time last year. 8/20
NHS colleagues are working incredibly hard delivering the COVID-19 vaccination programme. As they rise to the immense challenge of offering every adult a booster appointment by the end of the year, please treat our staff and volunteers with respect and patience.
#ThankYouNHS
Thanks to the incredible efforts of NHS colleagues, over 31 million people have had their COVID-19 booster jab - preventing over 105,000 hospitalisations since mid-Dec according to
@UKHSA
estimates.
It's never too late to get protected - book now at
Since mid-December 2021, an estimated 105,600 hospitalisations have been prevented in those aged 25 and over in England, according to latest analysis from
@UKHSA
today.
COVID-19 booster jabs offer vital protection β book online or find a walk-in site.
This pandemic has had a huge impact on our staff both physically and emotionally and as we work to recover services, we must make sure we keep this in the front of our minds. 13/20
Yesterday I spent time talking to
@LPTnhs
βs urgent community response teams. I was so impressed to see colleagues from different sectors working together to respond rapidly and support patients to be cared for at home. An invaluable service, especially as we go into winter.
It's vital we give the country maximum protection against both flu and COVID ahead of winter.
Thank you to the NHS staff and volunteers working tirelessly to help eligible people get their autumn booster vaccine.
Thanks to the hard work of NHS colleagues and volunteers, over two million eligible people in England have received their COVID-19 autumn booster vaccine!
With a record 3,100 sites offering appointments and over 200 walk-in sites, itβs simple and convenient to get protected.
Itβs fair to say my last message to colleagues at Christmas time was sent with a good deal of trepidation about what January and the Omicron wave had in store for the NHS, for our patients and the whole country. 𧡠1/27