Staff members at North Bristol NHS Trust are offered yellow heart pin badges to remember their colleagues who have lost their lives to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The families of valued NBT colleagues Maureen Ellington and Sandra Hicks have asked staff to consider wearing a yellow heart pin badge in recognition of those who have died from the virus across the world as well as closer to home.

They also want the hearts to act as recognition of the hard work of all NHS staff during this pandemic. Yellow hearts have become a symbol across the country to signify lives that have been lost to Coronavirus.

Southmead Hospital Charity is proudly funding the initiative and North Bristol NHS Trust staff can request the heart pin badges via the charity’s website.

 

Sandra Hicks, Lead Practice Development Teacher in the Apprenticeship Centre at North Bristol NHS Trust, Maureen Ellington, a healthcare assistant at Southmead Hospital who died from Coronavirus 2020

Maureen’s family said: “This has been an incredibly difficult time and we feel that it is important to remember the sacrifices that have been made during this pandemic, and to recognise the dedication of everyone who works in the NHS.”

Sandra’s family said: “We hope that these yellow heart badges will be worn with pride in remembering the lives of those we have lost to this virus, so that they become a symbol in recognition of what we have all endured.”

Valued colleagues

Andrea Young, chief executive of North Bristol NHS Trust said:  “Maureen and Sandra were valued colleagues who are sorely missed from our NBT family and for their closest colleagues their absence will always be felt.

“The yellow heart badges will serve to remind us of them and the many others who have died from Coronavirus so that we can continue to honour their memory.

“I hope that they will also come to symbolise strength; you have all made, and continue to make, sacrifices and huge dedication during this difficult time which has enabled us to celebrate moments of strength, positivity and hope. I will wear mine with pride.”

Sarah Harrison, director of Southmead Hospital Charity, said: “We are privileged to be able to provide these special badges thanks to our generous donors. Not only are they a symbol for us all to remember this unprecedented time but also  in recognising the lives lost and the sacrifices that have been made.

“Our donors tell us how proud they are of our NHS and we know that they will be honoured to support this tribute.”