Today is International Workers Memorial Day during which all people who have lost their lives at work are remembered. This year, it has taken on extra significance to respect those health workers and frontline staff who have died keeping the country running during the coronavirus crisis.
Outside Salford Royal Hospital this morning, dozens of health workers and trade unionists came out to honour those who have passed away, with a very moving two minute's silence, followed by a minute's applause...and a police siren and passing car horns beeping in tribute.
All around the hospital are signs of respect for the NHS workers, from a tree of hands made by pupils of St Luke's CE Primary School, to some huge Thank You NHS signs on the road. The event was organised by UNISON, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives
Over in Prestwich, outside the hospital and the entrance to Tesco and TGI Fridays, a similar event took place with two dozen people present including UNISON members from Prestwich Hospital and the CWU rep from Prestwich delivery office....
..."We remember that 1,500 killed every year in incidents and tens of thousands from work-related illnesses" stated the organisers "Over 2,500 a year die from asbestos related diseases. This year we also remember those workers who have died from Covid-19."
A 'short and incomplete' list of names of those health workers who have died from coronavirus from the North West was also read out...
Simon Guest - a radiographer at Furness General Hospital. He was described as "a true gentleman and a great role model to all".
Sadeq Elhowsh - a specialist doctor in trauma and orthopaedics at the St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Andy Stamp - an ICT administrator at Alder Hay Children's Hospital. Staff say he was liked and known by all.
Brian Darlington - a porter at Leighton Hospital in Crewe where he had worked for more than 20 years.
Julie Penfold - a staff nurse at the Arrowe Park Hospital. Her daughter said she "loved her job, she loved helping people, she was a beautiful person."
Josephine Matseke - an agency nurse at Southport and Formby District General Hospital.
Liz Glanister - a nurse at Aintree University Hospital
Linda Clarke - a community midwife at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. She had worked in the maternity service for 30 years, with trust chiefs saying she had "brought many new lives into the borough."
Lourdes Campbell - a health care assistant at the Royal Bolton Hospital where she had worked for nearly 13 years.
Grant Maganga - a mental health nurse at Hurst Place in Tameside. He was described as "so very caring for all his patients".
Carol Jamabo - a care worker who worked in her community in Bury for Cherish Elderly Care. She was 56 when she passed away and leaves behind two children.
"We remember more than fifty bus workers, over twenty in London Transport, more than ten taxi, minicab and Uber drivers...postal workers, retail staff, prison staff, teachers, cleaners, social workers" organisers added "Many workers' deaths have not been reported, many of them are low paid. There are others too many, including some whose families don't want them named but we remember them all. Remember the dead, fight for the living!"
This afternoon, Salford TUC also held a very small gathering at the Agecroft miners' memorial on Agecroft Road to remember those who worked down the pits and gave their lives also to keep Britain running, while in Bolton, the Trades Council also held a commemoration.....
For more background also see previous Salford Star article - click here
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