A new Staff Respite Park at Gateshead Health’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, has been officially opened, marking a significant step towards recognising and addressing the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers. The garden serves as a memorial to those lost to suicide and offers a serene space for staff and families to reflect and find solace.
The opening ceremony commenced with a warm welcome and introduction by Trudie Davies, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust’s CEO. She expressed gratitude to all attendees and highlighted the importance of the project.
Following the introduction, Sarah Jones from the Doctors in Distress charity delivered poignant opening remarks. She spoke about the organisation’s mission to combat the mental health crisis and the significance of national campaigns to support healthcare workers.
A reading by chaplains Paul Nichol and Joan Urwin provided a moment of reflection before the central event, the tree planting ceremony led by Mr Andreas Hinsche.
Driven by his own experience of personal loss, Mr Hinsche has become a passionate advocate for raising awareness of healthcare worker stress and suicide. His efforts align with the national campaign to plant trees in memory of healthcare professionals who have tragically lost their lives to suicide. The tree planted in Gateshead Health’s Memorial Garden stands as a living legacy of hope and resilience.
The ceremony included a minute of silence, allowing attendees to honour those who have been lost and reflect on the importance of supporting mental health initiatives within the healthcare sector.
Trudie Davies concluded the event by thanking Dr Hinsche, the team, QE Facilities, Gateshead Health Charity, and all others involved in bringing the Staff Respite Park to life.