Hampshire Hospitals unveils benches in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore on NHS’s 73rd birthday
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has celebrated the NHS’s 73rd birthday by unveiling three memorial benches in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore’s contribution to NHS Charities.
The benches, positioned, one at each of the trust’s sites - Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, were funded by Hampshire Hospitals Charity which received a portion of the donation Captain Tom made to NHS Charities, with the trust wanting to ensure his contribution was remembered.
Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “All of us were so moved by Captain Tom’s incredible efforts, and we wanted to mark this in a permanent way at each of our hospitals.
“The funds he raised for NHS Charities were distributed to NHS trusts across the UK and it’s wonderful we have been able to use these to support staff. The benches, situated in each hospital's grounds, are a perfect choice and will enable staff, patients and visitors to take a break while enjoying the fresh air.” 
The benches were unveiled by members of the trust’s executive team including Alex Whitfield at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, chief medical officer Dr Lara Alloway at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and interim chief people officer Kieron Galloway at Andover War Memorial Hospital.
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is also celebrating the NHS’ birthday by taking part in the NHS Big Tea event, with tea and biscuits available for staff to raise a mug to celebrate colleagues. The trust also spoke at the Basingstoke Council flag bearing event on Monday to mark the first NHS and Frontline Workers Day. 
Alex added: “It’s wonderful to take a moment to stop and reflect on the NHS and celebrate the amazing people that make the NHS so special. It has been a challenging 18 months for us all and the NHS has risen to the challenge. We want to celebrate our healthcare colleagues from across the NHS including GPs, ambulance crews, pharmacists and more – by working together we can provide the best possible care for our communities.”
If you want to know more about Hampshire Hospitals Charity and how to donate, please email hh.charity@hhft.nhs.uk
