High Peak health workers to mark anniversary of first national Covid lockdown with day of reflection

Staff at Cavendish Hospital in Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith Health Centre and New Mills Health Centre will be pausing for a minute’s silence at noon on the national day of reflection called by end-of-life charity Marie Curie on Tuesday, March 23.

It is intended as a time to reflect on our collective loss, support those who have been bereaved, and to signal hope for a brighter future.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust said: “Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind.

“Here at the Cavendish Hospital, and within the High Peak’s community, we have supported increased numbers as expected of many patients entering their last days of life as well as comforting families that haven’t been able to be present due to restrictions and sadly haven’t being able to say goodbye, as may have happened pre-Covid.”

He added: “The past year has been very dark, and for many processing grief in a healthy and positive way hasn’t always been possible and these effects will torment many for years to come.

“There are still tough times ahead as the death toll continues to rise. But we hope that this day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss, and to support each other through grief in the years to come.”

To mark the anniversary, each organisation will also be displaying spring flowers in their outer-facing windows.