Bench unveiling at Bedford South Wing in honour of beloved former colleagues
The family of Robert and Hailey Foley, a much-loved couple who both worked at Bedford Hospital, have donated a memorial bench in their memory.
The donation was unveiled at Bedford Hospital South Wing during a service led by trust chaplain Reverend Thomas Samuel, and attended by the family of Robert and Hailey.
Robert worked at Bedford South Wing Hospital as a leading surgeon in laparoscopic procedures (keyhole surgery). In later years, he had his own private surgery in his home village of Little Stoughton.
Hailey’s nursing career spanned almost 30 years, beginning on Shand Ward and later joining the Intensive Care Unit as a Vascular Specialist Nurse. In 2018, Hailey joined the diabetes team as a community diabetes specialist nurse, working with them for eight years.
At the service, Reverend Thomas Samuel read: “We dedicate this bench for the Bedford Hospital garden. May it be a place of rest for the weary, comfort for the grieving and quiet strength for all who sit here. May every patient, visitor or staff member who pauses on this seat feel the gentle breeze of love, compassion and commitment that sustains this place.
“May this bench be a small sanctuary in the midst of care and recovery, a reminder of virtues and values that sustain humanity, beyond all the barriers and strife. We offer this space today in memory of Robert and Hailey for all their hard work and dedicated service they offered this hospital.”
Charmaine Norrish, fundraising manager for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, said: "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Robert and Hailey’s family, especially David and Barbara for donating this beautiful memorial bench in memory of two cherished colleagues.
“Their kindness has created a lasting space where staff, patients and visitors can pause, reflect and remember two individuals who dedicated so much of their lives to caring for others. Their legacy will continue to live on through the memories they leave behind and this wonderful tribute."
The bench now sits in a peaceful area of Bedford Hospital, South Wing. Near the main entrance of the hospital. Though Robert and Hailey are no longer with us, the impact of their life remains forever.