Thank you to everyone who works in health and care in West Yorkshire, including volunteers

Dear colleagues,

As we continue to work through the winter months, we wanted to take this opportunity to say a personal thank you to every one of you who gives so much to the care and wellbeing of people living across West Yorkshire.

We recognise that at times like this, when our services and others across the country are facing immense pressure, that this also impacts on all who deliver care. Without teams and colleagues coming together to support one another nothing would be possible. We appreciate many of you have worked additional hours or extra shifts to ensure people receive the best care and support possible. Whatever you do, whatever your role, wherever you work – thank you.

From the height of the pandemic to this winter of extreme demand, you have continued to deliver services under the most challenging of circumstances. Despite these challenges, you continue to remain focused on meeting the needs of people of all ages across West Yorkshire.  We are proud to work alongside you all.

In the coming weeks, we know things will continue to be difficult. Living with COVID-19, the flu season, respiratory viruses, the cost of living and its various impacts will continue to be factors. Industrial action and the disputes between the unions and national government will also be a factor and we hope national conversations will bring a resolution soon.

We will continue to support you in any way we can. Compassionate leadership in your teams, access to health and wellbeing support in your organisation and through the West Yorkshire Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub are available everywhere.

We will use the coming weeks to plan for the year ahead, in line with national and local requirements to make sure we are focusing our energies on what can be achieved with the resources available. In doing so, we will advocate for all of you and all the people we support.

Our heartfelt thanks and best wishes go out to you all.

Rob Webster, CEO Lead for West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership and CEO for NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board

Cathy Elliott, Chair of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board

Cllr Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council and Chair of West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership Board