Planting hope at Pinderfields Hospital; Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust supports Doctors in Distress   | Your impact

Planting hope at Pinderfields Hospital; Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust supports Doctors in Distress 

The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has proudly announced support for an initiative aimed at fostering both environmental sustainability and mental health awareness at Pinderfields Hospital. In partnership with the Doctors in Distress charity, which is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals, the Trust has planted 20 orchard trees and a memorial rowan tree on hospital grounds.

This collaboration underscores the Trust’s commitment to not only improving patient care but also ensuring the wellbeing of its staff, who play a pivotal role in the community's health. The orchard trees are planted near the entrance to the hospital, providing a lasting legacy of hope and support for years to come. The memorial tree is situated near the Eye Centre.

Mark Braden, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said; 

“Orchard trees are deeply symbolic of growth, renewal, and the nurturing of life. These trees will act as a reminder of the importance of caring for our mental and emotional health, just as we care for the natural environment. By planting these trees, we aim to create a peaceful, restorative space for patients, staff, and visitors to enjoy. 

“The orchard will not only enhance the beauty of the hospital grounds but will also offer accessible fruit to the hospital community, reinforcing the principles of health and wellbeing. 

The orchard will feature a variety of tree species, including cherry, damson, gage, medlar, plum, and quince. These species were selected to offer a mix of seasonal beauty and nutritional benefits, creating a space that can be enjoyed throughout the year. 

Mark continues; 

“Rowan trees are known for their delicate leaves, creamy white spring flowers, and vibrant red berries in the autumn. These berries are not only visually striking but also provide sustenance for birds, offering an image of nourishment and care. A tree that changes with the seasons can provide ongoing comfort to those visiting the memorial, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and renewal. 

“The Doctors in Distress charity plays a crucial role in providing mental health support to healthcare professionals who are often under immense pressure. The charity offers a wide range of services, including counselling, peer support groups, and educational resources to help doctors and other healthcare workers manage the stresses of their demanding roles. 

“Through this orchard planting initiative, we aim to raise awareness about the vital importance of mental health support for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.” 

In addition to the planting of the trees, MY Hospitals Charity who fund initiatives that improve both the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors within the Trust, has generously funded a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. The plaque will be placed at the memorial tree, serving as a reminder of the significance of mental health and wellbeing in the healthcare profession.

Keith Ramsay, Chairman of the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and MY Hospitals Charity said; 

“We are thrilled to support Doctors in Distress through this symbolic and practical initiative. The orchard trees will serve as a beautiful and calming space for our hospital community, and we hope they will stand as a reminder of our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of everyone who walks through our doors, whether they are patients, staff, or visitors.” 

Susannah Basile, Doctors in Distress’ Interim Chief Executive said; 

“We would like every hospital trust in the country to support our National Memorial Tree Campaign and plant a memorial tree, which will highlight their commitment to protecting the mental health and wellbeing of their staff. 

“Together we can help to break down the stigma around mental health and help to prevent further suicides.” 

Adam Kay, Doctors in Distress Patron, BAFTA winner, former NHS doctor and bestselling author of ‘This is Going to Hurt’ said; 

"The first step in solving a problem must be in admitting that the problem exists, and this is something I tried to highlight in the BBC adaptation of my book, ‘This is Going to Hurt’. The series culminated in the death by suicide of a doctor called Shruti - a fictional character based on so many tragic stories. In the show, a tree was planted in her memorial, which has led to trees being planted in real-life hospitals to commemorate lost colleagues. I'm very proud to support Doctors in Distress in raising awareness of this vital issue and protecting the mental health of healthcare workers."  

Amandip Sidhu, Founder of Doctors in Distress said; 

“My cardiologist brother died by suicide in 2018 therefore this is a very emotive topic for me. It is really important for me to know that there are NHS Hospital Trusts which understand the pressure their workforce has faced and continues to have to deal with, and who are prepared to talk about the issue of suicide in the workforce. 

“Until the mental health and wellbeing of the healthcare workforce is prioritised by leaders at the highest level, the rate of burnout will continue to rise and, inevitably, so will the rate of suicide.  Doctors in Distress was founded specifically to eliminate the stigma surrounding suicide and to provide the support our colleagues need in order to continue doing the amazing work they do.”