In a “moving” ceremony, a memorial tree was planted at Fairfield General Hospital to remember healthcare workers who have taken their own lives.

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust is the first trust in the North West to commit to planting trees on every hospital site as part of the National Memorial Tree Campaign.

The campaign is led by the medical mental health charity Doctors in Distress in collaboration with its patron, BAFTA-winning former NHS doctor Adam Kay.

The campaign not only honours the memory of healthcare professionals, but also highlights the Trust’s commitment to protecting the mental health and wellbeing of its colleagues.

Statistics show that in the UK one doctor and one nurse take their own lives every three weeks.

The ceremony, which took place next to the Fairfield Education Centre, was attended by staff and governors from Bury Care Organisation, as well as Ann Paul, chief executive of Doctors in Distress.

Ian Inglis and Osman Saeed Dar from the chapel gave inspirational words about the symbolism of trees and Osman recited a poem he had written.

Governance Manager Craig Wood said: “The event was very moving and I am honoured to be able to help provide a central place for people to remember our loved ones who have passed away and to give a glimmer of hope to those in need.”

“Working with Doctors in Distress will provide vital support to all our colleagues who find themselves in a dark situation. I hope the tree is a small symbol of that.”

The Trust planted the first tree at Rochdale Infirmary in May and plans to plant further memorial trees at the Royal Oldham Hospital and Salford Royal this summer.

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