2022 has been another hard year for my colleagues and our local partners, but I am very proud of what they do and know that our local community values the care and compassion we continue to offer, even when times are tough. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to make life difficult for many, our staff strive each and every day to continue to make a huge difference to the lives of those we seek to serve.
Looking back over the past year, we have seen a great deal of improvements including: the initial rollout of the enhanced digital prescribing platform, the installation of a new MRI scanner and the renovation of our Maternity Unit, which included opening the brand-new Beatrice Birthing Centre, funded by the hospital’s charity, Stars Appeal. We celebrated our achievements and said thank you at a range of events such as the Staff Awards, Volunteers’ Evening and Family Fun Day.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our local community for their patience, whilst the hospital continues to experience increasingly pressurised services and extended waiting times. Members of the community can continue to help us by using NHS services wisely this winter and considering alternatives to A&E for minor illness or injury including Salisbury Walk-in Centre, NHS111 or their local pharmacy.
Looking forward to the New Year, there is no doubt that we will remain busy, but please be reassured that we are doing all we can to relieve the pressure and respond to our community’s needs.
The #JoinOurPeople recruitment campaign we recently launched is a prime example of how we continue to focus on strengthening and improving our services. In 2023, more of our colleagues will be engaged with our Improving Together continuous improvement programme and efforts to keep morale high amongst our staff will continue with various thank you events throughout the year.
I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and I hope you find some time to relax with family and friends and remain safe.
To those working for the NHS over the holiday period, a huge thank you for your continued dedication and hard work during this time.
23 December 2022
Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.