We have gratefully accepted the gift of 28 Christmas Trees with ‘rainbow coloured’ lights from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council in recognition of the vital role the NHS played in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The dazzling display is situated in a central courtyard where they can be seen by patients and staff alike.
Julie Gillon, chief executive of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Thank you to Stockton Council.
“Throughout 2020 the outpouring of affection towards the NHS has been incredible. People clapped for us, they gave us gifts and we received more messages of appreciation than we can count.
“Now the council, representing the people of Stockton-on-Tees, has ended the year on a real high point with this generous gift that I know our staff and patients will enjoy immensely.
“Merry Christmas to our staff, our public and to everyone at the council.”
Councillor Bob Cook, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, commented: “The NHS and its staff have deservedly been the subject of lots of praise this year.
“Their incredible commitment to caring for sick people, as always, and their bravery in facing a potentially deadly virus head-on has been nothing short of incredible.
“I’d also like to say a personal thank you for the outstanding care I experienced at University Hospital of North Tees when I had a cancerous tumour successfully removed from my bowel just recently.
“There were so many rainbows up in residents’ windows to show support for the NHS during the first lockdown, so our Community Partnerships have brought these Christmas trees to bring the rainbow colours to North Tees hospital over the festive period and I hope they can put a smile on the faces of patients, visitors and staff alike.”
For more information about Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Community Partnerships, visit their website.