'You are our super power' - an NHS Trust chief's amazing message to the families of Hartlepool health workers

Kara Pickering with the amazing letter which was sent to her sons.

And in it, Julie Gillon has praised them for keeping their loved ones going through the coronavirus pandemic.

In an emotional letter Julie, who is the Trust's Chief Executive, described the families as the ‘super power’ during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Each letter is a personal address such as this one to Oliver, 7, and Myles, 1, who are the children of Kara Pickering.

Kara works as a Employee Engagement Assistant and the letter to her sons said: “I wanted to write you this special letter, because our hospital wants to say a huge thank you to you for supporting your Mammy in helping out in the ongoing battle against the virus.

"We know how special your Mammy is to you. They are very special to us too – and that’s why they are a part of the North Tees and Hartlepool family.

“They are working so very hard to ensure that everyone across our region is kept safe, and are helping to ensure our poorly patients can get better. This applies to every single person who works for our Trust. We all work together and support one another every day, no matter how tired or how busy we are.

“Your Mammy is only able to do all of this because of your love, your support and your patience and understanding. Your smiles, hugs, pictures and ongoing support helps them to turn up to work with positivity and energy to help those in the hospital that need them most. Here’s the secret...you are their super power!”

The correspondence was sent to every member of staff in the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust for them to share with their families.

It was part of a continued campaign of thanks and gratitude to communities across the Tees Valley from the hospitals in Hartlepool and Stockton.

Barbara Bright, Director of Corporate Services and Chief of Staff, said: “Our staff have all pulled together in typical North Tees and Hartlepool style throughout the pandemic. There has been a need to change so much of our business as usual, and the impact of that on our colleagues has been significant.

She added: “The loved ones of our staff have in essence been our ‘twelfth man’ to use a Teesside footballing analogy. They have been our staff’ cheerleaders and their comfort after they arrive home. We really cannot underestimate their role in helping us to stay focused during the pandemic”.

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