Epsom and St Helier’s ‘Rainbow of Reflection’ lights up the night sky

Buildings at Epsom and St Helier hospitals were bathed in blue light and a ‘rainbow of reflection’ projected from their rooftops last night (Tuesday 23 March), as part of the National Day of Reflection.

The National Day of Reflection – held to coincide with the year anniversary of the first national lockdown – gave people across the country an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the past 12 months and take a moment to remember those who have so sadly died with COVID-19.

Staff across the Trust were invited to take part in the minute silences at 12noon and 8pm, with the lights shining from 8pm to 11pm to indicate the unity among the communities surrounding Epsom and St Helier and to remember all those who have worked so hard in the NHS, been unwell or, sadly, lost their lives to COVID-19.

Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles said: “It has been a very difficult year, both for our communities and for our staff who have so tirelessly served them. We felt we absolutely must mark this date, and publicly recognise the thousands of people in our communities who have been affected by COVID-19, and of course, every member of our incredible staff. The care and support they have given over the past 12 months has been frankly incomparable and I know I speak for our local communities when I say we cannot thank them enough for their unshakeable commitment.”

Earlier in the day, the 12noon national minute’s silence was marked across all of the Trust’s acute and community sites. This was by chaplain Jacqueline Dean, joined by Epsom and St Helier Chairman Gillian Norton and the Trust Board, who observed the period via Zoom. With the hospital chapels open all day, in a Covid-safe environment, staff and the public were welcome to take time out to reflect and pay their respects.