NHS Covid time capsules capture moment in history
Hospital staff at the Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole hospitals have buried time capsules on each site, providing a lasting memorial for those who worked in the NHS during the pandemic and all the patients they cared for.
The capsules were buried as part of special services across the three hospitals, held in the weeks following the anniversary of the global pandemic being declared and leading up to the anniversary of the first full UK lockdown.
Children from local schools – Park School in Bournemouth, St Peter’s in Southbourne, and St Joseph’s in Poole – performed songs at the three services, which were also attended by Dame Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, Dr Michele Board, Bournemouth University’s deputy head of department for nursing science, and by the chair of BCP Council, Councillor Lesley Dedman.
Items in the capsules were chosen by hospital staff, and include a special book of reflections with a number of photos and recollections from those working in the NHS at the time. Other items include personal protective equipment worn at the height of the pandemic, lateral flow testing kits, Covid vaccines, photos and videos produced to support staff and patients, glass rainbows made by one of the hospital’s consultants, and knitted hearts given to the loved ones of those critically ill in intensive care or those at the end of their lives.
The capsules will be opened again on the 100th anniversary of the NHS – 5 July 2048 – and the capsule sites have been marked by a special memorial stone to create a lasting space for colleagues to spend time reflecting on the pandemic, the way it changed NHS life as we know it, and the very personal impact it had on them and their loved ones.
Dame Ruth said: “It’s important that we continue to reflect on the lasting impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had. I will remain forever proud of our nursing and midwifery workforce, and all our colleagues across the NHS, for the extraordinary contribution they made during this time.”
Siobhan Harrington, chief executive of University Hospitals Dorset, added: “Covid was a challenge, a test of our skills, our courage, and our ability to provide care under the most extraordinary circumstances. And it was a challenge we rose to despite every obstacle thrown in our path, and despite the very personal toll it was taking on everybody in our UHD family.
“I hope these capsules and memorial stones give us all a time and space to pause, reflect and mark this moment in history.”
Sue Doheny, NHS England South West chief nursing officer, said: “It was a privilege to be invited to attend the Covid time capsule event. It is four years since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic and these services marked a poignant moment in history. They also provided time to reflect on how the Covid pandemic changed working for the NHS family, and the personal sadness, loss and impact it had on their own lives, those of their families, their loved ones and their community.”
You can find out more about the capsules and what’s inside at www.uhd.nhs.uk/news/covid-19-time-capsule
