As Jacqui is off this week taking a well-deserved break, I have the privilege of deputising for her until Monday. It’s a timely reminder to us all to make sure we take a break and book our annual leave. It is really important that colleagues across health and social care plan some breaks into their working lives in order to rest and recharge, so I would like to encourage you all to make sure you do.

I would like to start this week by reflecting on the very emotional and moving event I attended last week to commemorate colleagues we have lost to COVID-19. Our Chair Joe Fielder commissioned some beautiful artwork that has been installed in at Trust HQ and invited the family members of the seven colleagues to attend a socially distanced unveiling ceremony.

I must start this week by acknowledging the Government’s announcement on Monday about the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in England. As you will know from previous points in time when restrictions have been eased, the NHS has still had to operate under stricter conditions.

So this week started with Valentine’s Day and whether it’s something you celebrate or not, it was great to see so many people using it on social media as an opportunity to share their love for the NHS and for NELFT.

This week marks the 15th annual apprenticeship week. This year’s theme for apprenticeship week is Build the Future, which is what we aim for here at NELFT. We currently have 200 apprentices here at NELFT, in clinical and non-clinical roles and we are showcasing some of their stories across our social media channels throughout the week.