HEALTH chiefs in Oxfordshire have paid their respects to the Queen, saying they will “remember her fondly.”
Dr Nick Broughton, chief executive officer at Oxford Health, which provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across the county, said the monarch devoted her life to public service providing unity in times of need, and remembered how she awarded NHS the George Cross for their work during the pandemic.
He said: “I am sure that many of you will be deeply affected by her passing, as I have been. In an ever-changing world she provided stability, security and unity throughout her 70-year reign – qualities that perhaps have never been needed more than they are now.
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“She devoted her life to public service and earlier this year awarded NHS staff the George Cross for their compassion and courage, particularly during the pandemic.
“We will mourn her passing. Along with the rest of the country, we at Oxford Health send our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the King and the Royal Family at this very sad time and during the period of national mourning.”
The Queen was also welcomed by the staff at the John Radcliffe in 2008 for the opening of the hospital’s new West Wing and Children’s Hospital.
Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, chair of Oxford University Hospitals and Professor Meghana Pandit, chief executive officer of the trust, remembered her visit as a “great privilege.”
In a joint statement put out by the trust, they said: “We are sure many of our colleagues will be deeply affected by this news and, along with the rest of the country, we at Oxford University Hospital send our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the Royal Family during this very sad time and period of national mourning.
“The trust will fondly remember the Queen and it was our great privilege to welcome Her Majesty to an official ceremony to mark the opening of our new West Wing and Children's Hospital in November 2008.
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“The Queen devoted her life to public service, she has set an example to us all and we mourn her passing.
“We would like to thank all our staff for continuing to do what you do for our patients, and please continue to look out for each other at this sad time.”
A spokesperson from the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, who meant so much to so many people across the UK and the rest of the world.”
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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi
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