Chief Executive, Louise Ashley, opening the Memorial Wood

On Thursday 12th May, we officially opened our Memorial Wood at Darent Valley Hospital.

The wood has been lovingly planted with donated trees to acknowledge the bereavement suffered by many of our Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust family since the beginning of the pandemic. The newly planted, quiet woodland area has seats and space for staff to remember and reflect. They can remember their loved ones who passed away during the difficult period in our shared history.

Two memorial tree trunks have been saved from recently felled trees near the endoscopy unit, and have been positioned so that memorial plaques can be placed on them. The plaques are of loved one’s staff have lost anywhere in the world, for any reason since the beginning of the pandemic.

Chief Executive, Louise Ashley, cut the ribbon after giving a heartfelt speech and poem, Rev Tony Green said a blessing and staff took a leisurely stroll around the wood.

We hope that this space brings our colleagues some tranquility and comfort as they remember those we have lost.