Tori goes global to raise staff spirits at Sherwood Hospitals Trust

Tori Proost, a health care assistant works at King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield, got the idea after she joined a Facebook group, where people around the globe offered to write personal messages, thank yous and words of encouragement to recognise and thank those working for and supporting the Covid-19 response.

Tori put a request into the group, asking for words of encouragement for the NHS, Sherwood, and also ward 44 and the Welcome Treatment Centre at Sherwood, where she works.

She subsequently received more than 80 photographs from people around the globe, with hand-written messages celebrating ‘#TeamSFH, #Team44 and #TeamWTC’ – with the furthest thank you coming from Sydney in Australia.

Some of the images were taken in front of famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Central Park in New York and the Colorado Springs.

Tori said: “This looked like such a fun way to ‘spread the word’ about the fantastic work all NHS colleagues, including colleagues at Sherwood, have been doing over the last 11 months.

“I’m so happy my colleagues have found these thank yous inspiring and heart-warming – that’s exactly why I did it.

"I am so proud of Sherwood and my colleagues - and so are over 80 people and families around the world.”

Stephanie Mgadamika, ward leader on ward 44, said: “Following a really difficult 11 months, and heading into another busy period, these photographs provide colleagues with a much-needed boost.”

Tracy Smith, department leader on the Welcome Treatment Centre, added:“The pictures have been a wonderful boost for us all.

“Thank you Tori for acknowledging the unprecedented time we’ve all faced, and finding a powerful and special way to thank colleagues.

"We will enjoy looking at these photographs for many months to come.”