Heartbeat July 2020

Trust shines a light for 72nd NHS
anniversary
Marking 72 years of a health service
free at the point of need, this year
celebrations were by necessity a more
subdued affair, with the Trust choosing
to remember the sacrifices of our local
communities, the stalwart efforts of
staff and the kindness of all keyworkers
in the fight against COVID-19. Our
#SWBshinealight campaign saw us
training beacons of blue light across
our four main Trust locations for
the first few hours of darkness each
evening for almost a week. Starting on
our anniversary on Sunday 5 July, we
provided a focus for reflection of the
almost 400 lives lost across our Trust
during the pandemic.
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We also encouraged colleagues to
support the initiative by lighting a
lamp or lantern in their window and
sharing the photo on social media.
Trust Director of Communications Ruth
Wilkin explained: “This year we wanted
to mark our anniversary in a way most
appropriate to current times, and so we
focussed on kindness, as that is what we
have consistently experienced from our
community throughout the challenging
months of lockdown.
“Our estates team have also installed
permanent new rainbow floral displays to
brighten up our grounds on all four main
International Year of the
Nurse and Midwife - July 2020
This year marks International Year of the Nurse and
Midwife, a campaign by the World Health Organisation
in honour of the 200th birthday of Florence
Nightingale.
Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing
health services in our workplace. They devote their lives
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sites and provide a lasting reminder of
what we have all gone through this
year. Thanks to Your Trust Charity for
funding the initiative, and Amanda
Winwood, Fundraising & Membership
Academy Manager for the idea to help
us remember all those who have been
affected by the pandemic. Big thanks
to our hard working colleagues in our
estates team for their efforts in helping
with both these projects.”
to caring for mothers and children; giving lifesaving
immunisations and health advice; looking after older
people and generally meeting everyday essential health
needs. They are often the first and only point of care
in their communities. Throughout the year, we will be
highlighting some of our nurses, HCAs and midwives
who are making a difference to our patients.
Staff Nurse, Julie Prior
Staff Nurse
Julie Prior
Each month we profile some of our
wonderful nurses as part of our
2020 Year of the Nurse and Midwife
celebrations.
Read on to find out about the career
pathway of Julie Prior, Staff Nurse.
Julie has been in nursing for longer than she
is happy to admit and started her training at
Sandwell Hospital.
“I started my nursing career right here at
Sandwell in 1983 where I spent many of
my years as a staff nurse and a sister”, said
Julie. “I then briefly had a stint at Rowley
Regis Hospital before moving to Leasowes
Intermediate Care Centre where I’ve
worked for the last 14 years.
“I was at Leasowes in 2014 when we had
the infamous lorry incident. It was a cold
winter's morning in January 2014 when
an accident outside sent a lorry hurtling
through the side of the building.”
Without hesitation, Julie made sure all
her patients were safe, well and looked
after, like it was any other Monday, which
further demonstrated her professionalism,
kindness and caring ways. “I still remember
the images vividly. One side of Oldbury
Road was closed following the crash and
there was a white lorry cab end up stuck in
the side of the building. I stayed calm and
just focussed on my priority which was our
patients and my fellow staff.”
Four years later, Julie was officially
recognised for her work and for going
above and beyond the call of duty when
she was shortlisted for the Distinguished
Service Award at the 2018 Star Awards.
At the start of this year, Julie took partial
retirement, but due to her kind nature,
her desire to help others, as well as the
COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to the
Trust as a healthcare assistant.
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