A massive thank you to all the NHS communicators

Ross Wigham profile picture

17 August 2020

Ross Wigham
Deputy director of communications
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust


Dear colleagues and friends,

I wanted to write to you all again to say a huge thank you on behalf of NHS Providers and the wider comms network for the work that has been done to ensure the NHS can communicate effectively with staff, patients and the wider public during this crisis.

I wrote to you last when things were probably at their worst and I saw first-hand just how hard NHS communicators up and down the country were working to support their local organisations to get those vital messages across.

Some of the stories have been incredible and NHS Providers are now pulling together some case studies to highlight how this important, and at times innovative, work has been a key part of the pandemic response. As national chair of NHS Providers’ communications leads group and also an NHS communicator for an acute trust I wanted to again send my personal thanks for everything you’re doing to support your teams, colleagues and the public in these difficult times.

Some of the stories have been incredible and NHS Providers are now pulling together some case studies to highlight how this important, and at times innovative, work has been a key part of the pandemic response.

Ross Wigham    

I’d like to say thank you also to Chris, Saffron, Adam, Lisa and all the team at NHS providers who have been working tirelessly with the media to help support NHS trusts by highlighting some of the challenges we have faced, not least on personal protective equipment (PPE).

We’ve seen time and time again over the past few months that clear communications and timely access to practical, need-to-know information are key to the success of delivering NHS services and engaging with the public.

During COVID I’ve managed to catch up with many of you across the country and I’ve been so proud to hear of all the work you’ve been doing under extraordinary pressure during this pandemic. As we move to the next stage please do make sure you’re taking the time to reflect on what has happened and also take care of yourself and your teams. There is so much support now available that it’s imperative we all do what we can to make sure we’re properly managing our own wellbeing.

As we move to the next stage please do make sure you’re taking the time to reflect on what has happened and also take care of yourself and your teams.

Ross Wigham    

Because of the ongoing pressures of work it’s been some time since we all got together and although many of us have been connected by email, the WhatsApp group or social media we’re now planning the next virtual Comms Leads network.

We’re hoping to do this in November (precise date TBC), but in the meantime we are looking to develop a special session called “In the eye of the storm” to take place on the first day of the NHS Providers Annual Conference and Exhibition, which this year is taking place remotely on Tuesday 6 October 2020. It will look at some of the challenges, experiences and lessons learned from NHS comms professionals during COVID-19 and there will be the opportunity to share local stories and ask questions.

I hope many of you will be able to join us on 6 October but please do get in touch with me if you have any other comments, suggestions, ideas or just want to say hello.

Kind regards,

Ross

About the author

Ross Wigham profile picture

Ross Wigham
Deputy director of communications

Ross is also the chair of our communications leads network.

Article tags: