NHS Glasgow: key workers reflect and share their hopes for 2022

While many medical staff hoped that the pandemic would be left behind as they toasted this time last year, 2021 brought new challenges with the spread of the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus. 

Now NHSGGC are sharing some of their reflections on 2021 and what they wish for looking foward to the new year.

Mel Dixon is an Allied Health Professional (AHP) at the Royal Hospital for Children, and Chair of the Women and Children directorate Hospital and Neonates (HPN) Patient and Carer Experience (PaCE) Group. 

Melville Dixon

Mel said: "2022 has begun and soon we will be charting a path through another year. 2021 has been interesting to say the least.

"Every year brings challenges, but it also brings growth, joy, laughter and good memories.

"As an AHP and chair of the PaCE group for the children’s hospital I am privileged to work with many colleagues from different specialities.

"I have seen first-hand the resilience and continued desire of staff to give our patients and carers the best treatment and experience possible regardless of the difficulties they face. 

READ MORE: Covid-19: vaccination clinics open in and around Glasgow

"Though 2021 was very different to what we might have hoped, there have been some great projects helping families this year.

"The Major Trauma Team patient story boards, the Respiratory Service home sleep study retrieval service, the development of the new RHC Patient and Carer app, the Scottish Health Award Winning vCreate project, to name a few."

Mel also thinks that adapting to using more virtual communication with people has been important.

He added: "Virtual technologies have continued to be invaluable on top of our normal face to face activity, allowing the continuation of treatments and reduction in waiting times for families through Attend Anywhere (Near Me) or vCreate – or even a simple telephone call.

"And tablets for remote visiting have been essential in keeping relatives in touch with patients and carers when normal visiting has not been possible. 

"So 2022 will bring a new set of opportunities. A chance to be helpful, to make someone's day with a smile, or to go the extra mile. I hope the new year will continue to see our patients flourish in the midst of adversity, with help from the care and compassion of the children’s hospital staff.

"I look forward to the new bright ideas and passions that drive progression. Most of all I look forward to a new year ahead where we can make a difference to patients and families in their time of need." 

Susan Heron

Susan Heron is a Designated Senior Charge Nurse in the Neonatal Unit at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital. 

This unit specialises in the care of vulnerable premature babies.

Susan said: "I have just completed my 37th year in nursing. I could never have imagined the situation we are all currently facing. 

"But I am constantly reminded of the amazing service provided by our NHS.

"I work in a Neonatal Unit, where we care for sick or premature babies. They have amazing families who are supported, by us, through their often difficult journeys.

"Through the last year, I have seen fantastic teamwork. I also see a greater awareness of mental health, and how it is so important to look after each other."

READ MORE: Glasgow families are being urged to get children aged 12 to 15 their second Covid vaccine

Susan is confident that she is ready to take on whatever challenges 2022 brings. 

She added: "This New Year will, I am sure, bring new challenges, but I know we will be ready to meet them, together." 

Rebecca MacMillan

Rebecca MacMillan, who works in the Royal Hospital for Children as a Staff Nurse on Ward 3B, said: "It's been an extremely busy and challenging year, both within and outside work. 

"Beginning with lockdown, social isolation was a challenge but the excellent, supportive, fun and resilient nature of my work family made coming into work much easier. 

"It has been great that so many people have taken up the vaccines and contributed to getting back a little bit of normality."

Rebecca was grateful for being able to unwind on holiday in 2021 and developing good relationships in her job.

She added: "A highlight of 2021 has been being able to go abroad on holiday, helping to relieve some of the stresses of the workplace and having something positive to work towards through difficult periods of time. 

"I have also made many new professional relationships and friends at work this year and I am so grateful for the team I work in.

"For 2022, I am looking forward to getting back to something even more resembling "normal". I can't wait to continue learning new skills and progressing in my nursing career. 

"Meanwhile, giving the best caring and compassionate care to all of our children and their families." 

Lewis Doult

Lewis Doult is an Acting Lead Nurse in Paediatrics at the Royal Hospital for Children.

He has also reflected on 2021: "This has been such a tough year for everyone at NHSGGC, and I’m so proud of all my colleagues for the way they have kept going through these difficult times. 

He added: "My hope for 2022 is for our staff to continue to show resilience in the ongoing pandemic and to continue to deliver excellent care and support to our patients and families." 

Pauline Grose

Dr Pauline Grose, Consultant Acute Physician at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said: "There’s not been much time for profound thoughts this new year, but essentially the ongoing message from the Acute Medical Team at GRI is that team working continues to be the best remedy to our ongoing struggle with COVID and other acute pressures. 

"The past year has continued to demonstrate the extraordinary achievements of all team members in ensuring that, despite everyone being fatigued, we continue to offer excellence of care to our patients.

"There remains a desire to support all team members, recognise when individuals are struggling and offer support and good humour when needed."