As I see it – the latest blog from Sue Symington

For many NHS staff across Yorkshire and the Humber the annual NHS Carol Service in York Minster starts the beginning of the Christmas season. I understand why!

York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals and it is a great privilege that the NHS is able to use this space once a year to come together in such an inspiring setting.

Our NHS carol service brings together around 1,000 NHS staff, their families and loved ones each year to share this NHS tradition in Yorkshire and the Humber– everyone is welcome, everyone has a place in this great gathering of NHS staff.

Each year I marvel at the professionalism of the NHS choir. The NHS choir, made up of about 100 staff from across our NHS, astonish me every year with the beauty of their singing in that special place and their great professionalism. Thanks to all of them for the many hours of rehearsal to achieve such a stunning outcome- a wonderful example of team working at its best. I also thank all those who read in the minster as part of the service- it’s a huge honour, but it also nerve-racking!

A thank you also goes to colleagues from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service who generously volunteered their time to provide first aid support for the event. Finally, thank you to our own team who made the event possible.

I encourage everyone to make a note in their diary to attend this uplifting celebration with colleagues and friends next year!