On Sunday 9th March at 12 noon, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) will join organisations across Scotland in a minute’s silence to remember those we lost and honour the commitment and sacrifice of all our health and social care staff throughout the COVID pandemic.
The silence is part of a national Day of Reflection to mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic and, ahead of that event, NHSGGC’s Chair, Dr Lesley Thomson KC, reflects on what was an incredibly difficult time and shares a message of thanks and tribute to staff, patients and members of the public:
“On Sunday 9th March, the nation will come together to reflect on the pandemic – to pause and think back to a set of challenges few, if any, of us had ever experienced before.
“The fear and uncertainty, the pressure on our all services through increased demand and through the requirement for strict measures to keep us all safe.
“The loss of friends and loved ones. The sheer sadness that swept the entire country. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to all those who lost someone close to them.
“Health and social care staff, ambulance crews, police, fire services, shop workers, other essential staff. Those who were furloughed and others who endured so much uncertainty about what the future would bring. Every one of us will remember just how tough those days were.
“But, across NHSGGC, we should also remember how everyone stepped up – how we rose to meet the tasks we faced.
“We supported each other, looked out for our colleagues and friends, and we cared for those who were struggling. Within weeks we had adopted new ways of working and we had embraced new technology – all in the pursuit of the best possible care for our patients.
“To those people, those thousands of staff who did so much for our patients, we would like to say thank you. Thank you for the long hours, for the time away from your families, for the courage it took to put on that PPE and head out for your shift.
“We would also like to pay tribute to our patients, and the public. For your forbearance and flexibility, your patience throughout difficult times. For the way you gathered every week in support of our staff.
“Your appreciation will never be forgotten.
“As time passed, the vaccine came and case numbers fell. Across the country, life began to adapt to a new semblance of normal.
“But the reality is we’re still dealing with the legacy of those difficult times. As is the case right across the country, NHSGGC’s services still face considerable challenges.
“Every day, every one of our staff is doing all they can to address those challenges and to make sure our patients get access to the best care we can provide.
“We would like to thank them all once more for that new commitment – whether they worked through the pandemic or have joined the NHSGGC family more recently.
“We would also like to thank our patients and members of the public for your ongoing support.
“But please be assured – we are turning a corner.
“The challenges of COVID forced us to adopt new ways of working. The use of digital technology and AI, the commitment to help more people more quickly through day surgeries and virtual care – all of these changes have brought with them a new set of opportunities to provide the care our patients need.
“However, while they bed in, we must ask something more from you – that you continue to work with us and to embrace new ways of accessing care.
“It may be a willingness to try a virtual appointment or a phone consultation, or maybe thinking twice before going to A&E and instead calling 111.
“COVID-19 has started us on a path from which there is no going back, and we need to embark on that journey side by side.
“Our commitment to your care will never waver – that is the constant you can always rely on. But just like you did back in 2020, as we all lived through those dark days, we ask you to trust us once more as we take this journey together – to a new NHS, shaped by the pandemic but designed for the next century of healthcare.
“So on Sunday 9th March we invite you to join the nation in a moment’s reflection, to mark the loss and the sacrifice, to remember with pride the commitment, professionalism and teamwork – and to move forward together to a new future.”
For more on how you can take part in the Day of Reflection, go to: COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2025
