A PLAQUE of thanks was unveiled on Monday to mark University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust being granted the freedom of the city.
Covid Plaque 2
Picture by Marcus Mingins 1223006MMR1 www.buyphotos247.com
The plaque was unveiled outside the front entrance of University Hospital, with a short ceremony seeing Trust staff and executives joined by Coventry city council leader Coun George Duggins and Lord Mayor Coun Kevin Maton.
As a thank you for supporting Coventrians through the Covid-19 pandemic, last July UHCW NHS Trust was granted freedom by the city council at an extraordinary general meeting at Coventry Cathedral.
The meeting was followed by a service of celebration attended by more than 300 UHCW staff.
Covid Plaque 5
Picture by Marcus Mingins 1223006MMR5 www.buyphotos247.com
Alongside the Trust’s extraordinary response to the pandemic, in December 2020 it was chosen to deliver the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine outside a clinical trial.
The Trust is the first non-military organisation to receive the honour, last given in 2013 to Coventry’s adopted Royal Navy ship HMS Diamond.
UHCW Chair, Dame Stella Manzie said: “To receive this very rare honour was a special moment for everyone associated with UHCW.
“It is a privilege for the Trust to continue to work with the council, public and private sector partners, community groups and citizens to serve our great city.”
Coun Maton, added: “It is wonderful that the efforts of NHS staff during the pandemic and what they do every day has been formally recognised in this way.
“When people see this plaque, they will know they are in the best, bravest and most caring hands they could wish for. Hands that kept a city safe.”
