Covid one year on - Bedford Hospital boss pays tribute to "remarkable" team as staff hold one minute silence

As Bedford Hospital staff held a minute's silence to reflect on the pandemic - the chief executive was quick to praise staff for their hard work during the pandemic.

David Carter, of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’d like to pay tribute to my amazing colleagues across the trust.

“The resilience, commitment and dedication they have shown in the past year has been nothing short of remarkable.

“This has undoubtedly been the most difficult year any of us in the NHS has ever seen. We’ve had to adapt to completely new ways of doing things. There has been a profound impact on both our staff and our services, and this will continue for some time to come.

“I’d like to thank the families and loved ones of our staff, who have supported them and helped them come to work so that we can give the best possible care to patients."

He went on to say: “A huge thank our is also due to our communities – across Bedfordshire – for the way they have stuck to the guidance, the sacrifices they have made, and the understanding they have shown as we’ve had to adapt.

“Their support – in the early days, clapping on doorsteps, and through their generosity of donations throughout – has been greatly valued.

“I’m extremely proud to be chief executive of the trust.”