NCA chief leads organisation in thanking the public for doing their bit to control virus

The general public are making a huge difference in their efforts to control the spread of the virus in Greater Manchester, according to the Chief Executive of one of the biggest NHS organisations in the region.

In a thank you message to each and every one of the 2.8 million people that make up the Greater Manchester Metropolitan County, Raj Jain says their efforts have been ‘tireless.’

So far, the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, which brings together four local hospitals and community healthcare services across Salford Royal and Pennine Acute trusts, has cared for and discharged over 3,000 coronavirus patients, and he says that number would ‘be much higher’ if it weren’t for the monumental efforts of the people of Greater Manchester.

The Chief Executive’s thanks are echoed by front line staff at each of the NCA’s four Care Organisations in Oldham, Salford, Bury and Rochdale, including from a Critical Care Doctor, a Domestic, a Porter, a Chaplain and a Community Nurse.

Mr Jain said: “I think there is something innate within the people of Greater Manchester when faced with a challenge, no matter how big, to really try hard and do their best.

"It is part of being a good citizen, and I know that each and every one of us is digging deep to ensure that we do social distance, we do get vaccinated, we do wear a mask, and most importantly, we will beat this virus together.”

He is also quick to praise his staff for everything they have done to keep the virus under control.

“The front line staff at our hospitals in Salford, Oldham, Bury, Rochdale and in the community have been amazing, as have the back office staff," added Mr Jain.

"The virus really has turned the way we work on its head, and through it all the staff have dug deep and worked tirelessly to protect each other, our patients and visitors, be that wearing a ventilator and PPE for 12 hours, or our back office staff uprooting and working from home to limit the spread of infection.

"I am proud of each and every one of them.”

Thanks from the front line - Oldham

Stacey Lee is a Domestic Assistant on ICU at The Royal Oldham Hospital, which is part of the NCA’s Oldham Care Organisation.

She said: “My job is to keep our wards and departments clean and now more than ever, I am helping to keep my colleagues and our patients safe from this virus.

"It has been a challenging time for us all and we know it isn’t over yet.

"Thank you to everyone for doing the right thing - we need to work together to get through this.”

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