WELCOME to this summer edition of Trusttalk, which highlights some of the work taking place across the Trust to deliver our Strategy. This edition reflects both the continued impact of COVID, and developments across teams in the Trust.
The COVID pandemic meant that we all relied on digital and online technology more than we ever had before. In their ‘Closing the Digital Divide’ article, the Trust’s People Participation Digital Community, made up of service users and staff, explain how they are equipping others to get the most out of
technology in managing their health and wellbeing.

Staff who came forward to join the COVID Vaccination programme workforce have played a vital role in improving the health of local people. For many of them, we hope that this is just the beginning of a career in the NHS. To support this, you will see that our People and Culture Retention team are providing focused and personalised support to help them find their dream job and stay with us in the field of health and social care. 

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend was celebrated across our communities and within the organisation. It came with a special surprise for one of our Hackney social workers, Georgina Osei-Brenyah, who learned she had been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. I am so delighted that Georgina’s work has been recognised by this honour. 

The Trust’s Homeless and Vulnerable Person Outreach Service, based at Hackney’s Greenhouse GP Surgery, is the London region winner of the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2022 for the category Excellence in Primary Care & Community Care. The team undertake incredible work with the homeless community and asylum seekers. The service will now go through to the NHS Parliamentary Award national finals taking place later this year. Congratulations and … good luck in the next heat! 

The Trust was in the spotlight again with the news that People Participation team member Sam Ogunkoya won a prestigious National BAME Health & Care Award for being the most Inspiring Diversity and Inclusion Lead of the year. Sam has played a key role in ensuring the voice of BAME service users in heard in the Trust and acted on. This award is well deserved and an acknowledgement of Sam’s abilities and approach. Congratulations.  

With the arrival of warmer weather, our thoughts turn to summer holidays. Our Pharmacy team have put together a useful guide to help you stay safe and well whether you travel overseas or have a staycation.  Whatever you opt for, I hope you all get time to rest, slow down and recharge your batteries.