To mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS, Ecovert FM, West Middlesex University Hospital and NHS Hounslow funded a mature eucalyptus tree for the hospital grounds.
The tree was planted during a ceremony attended by West Middlesex University Hospital's Chief Executive - Tara Donnelly - and Chairman - Sue Ellen - with NHS Hounslow's Chief Executive - Nick Relph - and Non Executive Director - Charanjit AjitSingh, along with Ecovert FM's Contract Director, Mike Gennery. (Pictured Left - right: Stacey Farrer, Lee Curtis, Margaret Black, Nick Relph, Tara Donnelly, Sue Ellen, Janet Weston, Mike Gennery, Charanjit AjitSingh).
The eucalyptus tree, which was planted at the front of the hospital, was chosen for its renowned healing properties; following the planting, the tree was blessed by hospital chaplain Liza Waller.
Also present at the ceremony were Margaret Black, who worked at the hospital for 33 years until her retirement in 1988, and Lee Curtis, Respiratory Physiotherapist, who has been at the hospital for three months, representing staff past and present.
From NHS Hounslow were Janet Weston and Stacey Farrer. Janet worked as a midwife from 1959 until her retirement in 1994, and now works part-time as a family planning nurse. Stacey is a health centre co-ordinator, and has been with NHS Hounslow since November 2005.
Tara Donnelly said: "In recognition of 60 years of the NHS, we have come together as partners in health in Hounslow, to mark the occasion with the planting of a tree."
"We have chosen this spot at the entrance of the hospital and besides the newest part of the site, the Natural Birth Centre, which opened just this week.
We hope that this tree, a partnership idea symbolising health and wellbeing, will flourish as will the NHS in Hounslow for the next sixty years."
Nick Relph said: "I like the idea of a tree planting to celebrate our 60th anniversary. Trees are life-giving, strong, they last for centuries and people love them. The eucalyptus tree, used around the world for its healing properties, is an excellent symbol for a national institution of worldwide recognition that helps and heals people every day.
The NHS is one of the most important innovations of the last 60 years and remains the envy of the world. Its principles of care for all free at the point of delivery are as valid today as they ever were.
The NHS is one of the biggest and most recognisable brands with one of the largest workforces in Europe, but it's the excellent work done day in day out at a local level that the public is most familiar with. It?s great to have both senior and junior colleagues to represent NHS staff in Hounslow as we plant this tree today. I am sure both tree and NHS will go from strength to strength in the coming years."