Royal Devon Hospitals honour healthcare staff lost to suicide with memorial trees

Memorial trees have been planted at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E) and North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) to honour healthcare workers who have lost their lives to suicide.

The initiative, part of the Doctors in Distress National Memorial Tree Campaign, aims to raise awareness of the mental health pressures faced by medical staff and to provide a tribute to colleagues who have died.

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In the UK, statistics show that one doctor takes their own life every three weeks, while one nurse dies by suicide each week.

Tree planting ceremonies took place on Wednesday 17 September, attended by representatives from the Royal Devon board, chaplaincy and wellbeing teams, and colleagues affected by the loss of a co-worker.

The NDDH tree was planted in the hospital’s garden of remembrance, while the RD&E tree was placed outside the RILD building. Both trees feature plaques commemorating healthcare workers who have died by suicide.

Dr Vanessa Purday, Chief Medical Officer at the Royal Devon, said: "Many of us who work in the NHS will have been affected by the loss of a colleague to suicide, so we hope that these trees will allow for those who have sadly taken their own lives to be honoured and remembered.

"These memorial trees are a symbol of the Royal Devon’s commitment to support the mental health and wellbeing of those who work here. As we remember those we have lost, it’s vital we protect those who are still here."

The planting was supported by the University of Exeter Medical School, with representatives attending both ceremonies.

Professor Richard Holland, Dean of Exeter Medical School, added: "These trees are a tribute to those who have tragically taken their own lives and a reminder to us all to care for those who care for us. It is a privilege to contribute to these memorials at both the RD&E and NDDH."

The National Memorial Tree Campaign is led by Doctors in Distress, an independent charity providing peer support for UK healthcare workers to protect mental health and prevent suicide.

The campaign is supported by BAFTA winner and former NHS doctor Adam Kay.