Senior leaders at Oxford Health will stand with staff tomorrow (Tuesday, April 28) to observe a national one minute’s silence to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day.

At 11am Chief Executive Stuart Bell and other staff and managers will gather outside the Warneford Hospital, Oxford  – while keeping socially distant– to pay their respects to all key workers and their families who have lost their lives.

Staff members across all areas of the trust in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and beyond are invited to pause for 60 seconds to join the commemoration.

IWMD is held each year to honour those who have died at work. This year the event is particularly poignant in paying tribute to the sacrifice made by so many workers during the Coronavirus pandemic.

It will remember those who’ve sadly lost their lives but will also thank all those who continue to do vital work at great risk.

More than 90 NHS workers have died since the nation went into lockdown – including our own healthcare assistant Margaret Tapley who died from COVID-19 – following her long service at Witney Community Hospital.

Chief Nurse Marie Crofts said of IWMD: “It is so important that we stand together in silent contemplation to honour those who have tragically died; to remember the families left behind; to recognise the sacrifices being made by so many, each and every hour of the day.

“The bravery and unwavering commitment of key workers in protecting and caring for the sick and those at risk must be recognised and honoured.

“I will be joining the one minute’s silence and will also light a candle at home in the evening as a mark of respect to all those who are caring, saving lives, and keeping key services running and the rest of the country safe.”

Workers’ Memorial Day is officially recognised by the UK government and is supported in 19 countries worldwide.​​​​​​​