The Christie Charity
News story published 19 September 2024
17 September was the first ever National Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers Lost to Suicide, an opportunity to take a moment for reflection and remember those who are no longer with us.
Since 2011, more than 2,500 health and care workers across the UK are recorded to have lost their lives to suicide.*
Christie staff were joined by Sarah Jones from Doctors in Distress, a charity that provides mental health support to healthcare staff, at a memorial tree planting at our Withington site.
It’ll be surrounded by benches where both staff – as well as patients and visitors - can sit in contemplation.
Dr Neil Bayman, Executive Medical Director, and Andrew Bradley, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Co-ordinator, both spoke at the event.
Dr Bayman said: “The tree is a way to remember those who have taken their own lives and is also a symbol of our commitment to protect the mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues. Making sure that the support is there when people need it is vital, but it’s also important that we all talk openly about our own mental health and that we check in with those around us regularly.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in organising this ceremony, especially Dr. Daniel Anderson, who has not only been instrumental in this campaign, but has also worked closely with our education team to set up vital support avenues for staff.”
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling, you can call 111 and/or find mental health advice and support on the NHS website. Christie staff can also find lots of resources on HIVE, our intranet.
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