Memorial tree at Derry's Ulster University pays tribute to healthcare professionals

PICTURED ABOVE: Professor Louise Dubras, Foundation Dean of the School of Medicine at Ulster University, and Dr Rose McCullagh from the charity Doctors in Distress, plant a memorial tree at the Derry campus to mark the University’s participation in the UK-wide National Memorial Tree Campaign, honouring the dedication and compassion of health and social care professionals.

A memorial tree has been planted at Ulster University’s Derry campus to honour the dedication and compassion of health and social care professionals across the country.

The event marks the University’s participation in the National Memorial Tree Campaign, a UK-wide initiative led by the mental health charity Doctors in Distress in association with its Patron, BAFTA winner and former NHS doctor Adam Kay. 

The campaign aims to commemorate healthcare workers who have died by suicide and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the mental health and wellbeing of those working in the health and social care sector.

Ulster University and The Western Health and Social Care Trust have each planted a tree to remember and support healthcare workers. The Western Trust hosted its first gatherings on World Mental Health Awareness Day in October at newly planted memorial trees at Altnagelvin Hospital and South West Acute Hospital.

This week, to mark National Stress Awareness Day (Wednesday, November 5), Ulster University has planted its tree on the Derry campus - home to the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Paramedic Science, Health Sciences, and Applied Social and Policy Sciences (Social Work). The initiative shines a light on the impact of stress on health and social care professionals and encourages everyone to lead with love, kindness, and compassion.

Professor Louise Dubras MBE, Foundation Dean of Ulster University’s School of Medicine, said: “Ulster University is delighted to work in partnership with The Western Health and Social Care Trust and Doctors in Distress to plant this tree as a tribute to past, present and future health professionals, staff, students and all who collaborate with them, across fields of study and professional pathways on campus and in our community.

“It is our hope that this tree will be a place of calm and quiet reflection for all our future health professionals and indeed all those who study, work and visit the Derry campus.

County Derry's Josh McErlean and co-driver walk away from crash in Rally Japan

Both McErlean and Treacy sustained heavy bruising

Evolve celebrates 5,000 gas connections in just five years

Magherafelt woman Marissa McGuckin is one of the latest residents to experience the advantages of Evolve's growing network

“The poignant themes of leading with love and treating ourselves and others with kindness are particularly close to my heart, and I hope those sentiments prevail and touch all who visit this place.

“On this Stress Awareness Day, I encourage all our staff and students to look after their own wellbeing and to extend a helping hand to friends and colleagues.”

Doctors in Distress Patron, BAFTA winner, former NHS doctor and bestselling author of This is Going to Hurt, Adam Kay, added: “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 memory, 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.”

Through this initiative, Ulster University and The Western Health and Social Care Trust join others across the UK in remembering colleagues, raising awareness of stress in the profession, and promoting a message of compassion and support for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.