NHS Staff Help Patients Pay Tribute to the Queen

Hundreds of thousands of NHS staff working over the Bank Holiday are helping patients mark Queen Elizabeth II funeral in hospitals across England.

Patients using NHS services or in hospital have been helped to watch Her Majesty’s funeral, with staff marking the  occasion where possible.

Extra TV screens have been put on in wards, atriums and other public space in hospitals across the country from Royal Cornwall Hospital to Tameside and Glossop to show the funeral, while hospital radio stations have been broadcasting the service.

NHS staff at Mid Cheshire hospital went ward to ward with iPads so patients who wish to sign the book of condolence online can do so.

While books of condolences have also been set up at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

Remembrance services were held at Guy’s and St Thomas’, while services are also being held at St George’s Hospital chapel.

Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer For England, said: “As the country rightly pauses to mark Queen Elizabeth II passing, hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers including nurses, clinicians, porters and other staff working in hospitals and our communities in England will ensure patients can also pay their respects, many of whom were deeply honoured when Her Majesty awarded the health service the George Cross earlier this year.”

“From staff going the extra mile to help patients sign the online book of condolence, through to hospital chaplains conducting remembrance services, NHS staff will do everything they can to ensure every patient has the chance to pay their respects.

“While urgent and emergency services will continue to be available on the Bank Holiday, including urgent dental and GP appointments, so the public should access NHS services in the usual way, including through 111 online or 999 in an emergency.”

At Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, the trusts lecture theatre will be showing the funeral to give as many staff as possible the opportunity to pay their respects.