We would like to start by extending our thanks to each and every one of you for working so hard to provide care and support to our communities during these last few challenging months and especially over this week of Industrial Action. Whether you have been working on the front line or working in an administrative role, we wholeheartedly appreciate the effort and dedication you all have demonstrated to deliver quality care and services in these most challenging of circumstances.

While many people enjoy some rest this Christmas, staff across the ICS are working hard in what is yet another tough winter.

This year, we have faced even more ongoing pressures. The NHS is currently facing record demand for many services – across our primary, secondary, community and mental health care and this is most marked for people needing urgent and emergency care.

Thank you for the amazing collaborative work to continue to reduce our operational pressures. This includes projects to improve our ambulance and urgent community response times for patients in the community, and reduce handover delays at our hospitals, as well as a massive ongoing focus on discharging people from hospital as soon as it is appropriate to do so. That has been an amazing team effort, including support from so many of our social care providers to help improve timely hospital discharge.

The improvements we have made wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication that every one of our colleagues have and continue to give each and every day.

We are incredibly grateful for the commitment from of all teams who have been supporting and providing care for local people and communities over this difficult period. The contributions you have made so far have been extraordinary, despite how hard it is and how unrelenting the pressures can seem to be at times. We wanted to let you know these efforts are recognised and appreciated.

Whatever your role, wherever you work across Norfolk and Waveney, thank you. Together, we all make a massive difference to the lives of our local people and communities, helping them to lead longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Most of us will be working for at least some of the festive season but we hope that we all manage to get some time to relax and recharge with family and friends.

As we look to 2024, we are looking forward with pride, optimism and gratitude. We hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

With best wishes and continued thanks

Dr Frankie Swords, Executive Medical Director Norfolk and Waveney ICB             

Tricia D’Orsi, Executive Director of Nursing Norfolk & Waveney ICB