THIS year, our definition of heroes changed.

All NHS staff were put at the forefront of the battle against Covid-19, continuing their lifesaving jobs as we stayed at home.

Reading’s Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) tragically recorded the first UK Covid-19 death, and all staff were left devastated by the deaths of two RBH staff members: Dr Peter Tun and nurse Julie Edward, who will never be forgotten.

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Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RBH Nicky Lloyd, reflected on the year just as updates were breaking about the UK becoming the first place in the world to approve a coronavirus vaccine.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our staff, who have been amazing, the businesses, charities, partnerships, the university and the community of Reading who have supported RBH”, she said.

“Every part of the health service has shown incredible resilience. At the start, this was so unprecedented.

“One of the things I hear from people during this pandemic is that they feel powerless, and one way we can all take back control is to follow the guidance of hands, face, and space.

“We have been really fortunate that our local residents have been diligent throughout.”

When asked about the mental health impact the pandemic has had on staff, Ms Lloyd explained the steps that the hospital has taken to try to ensure mental wellbeing.

She said: “It’s been extremely difficult for all staff, we are grateful that we had people coming out of retirement, and that those who had just qualified gave up having their break to come straight into the hospital.

“We received a hugely generous donation from a family in Henley-on-Thames, so with this we are turning one of our buildings into a staff mental wellbeing facility.

“We were lucky and grateful to receive money from Captain Tom’s fundraiser, which will also be going towards some space for rest and relaxation.”

The acting CEO said the key message she would like to send out is that people should continue to make appointments if they have a medical concern.

“People are not wasting our time by making an appointment or seeing their GP,” she added.

“It’s so important for anyone with ongoing pain, sudden weight loss or anyone who has noticed a lump to make an appointment.

“Cancer screenings are going ahead - we still cater for all medical problems.

“We have videos online that will reassure patients that they’re safe to come to hospitals and GPs.

“They show the experiences others have had with the process, which is always comforting for others to see.”

Speaking about the initial outbreak of the pandemic, she said: “The 215 patients and two staff members who have died is a tragedy to every single family.

“We all felt the loss of our staff members - they were just really sad days.

“Having the first death in the UK showed us why it was so important to help keep people safe.

“We have all gained knowledge and insight throughout this whole process, at a pace I don’t think the world has ever seen before.”

“The pace of getting from those initial days, to a trial, to the launch of a vaccine was hugely speedy.

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“The Prime Minister visited us with Prue Leith - this was to acknowledge our hospital food, which is as important in recovery as anything else, and we’re proud our fantastic catering team were recognised for bringing healthy and comforting meals to patients.

Ms Lloyd said she would advise residents to make sure they have had their flu jabs, and said she is hopeful for what is to come.

“The Lighthouse Laboratory in Bracknell has seen so many join to help, and they are still recruiting at lighthouse@royalberkshire.nhs.uk, for anyone looking for work.”