This past week has been momentous politically for our nation. Unfortunately it has been characterised by a campaign that, at times, has beenbitter, divisive and sometimes led to ill feelings between friends, families and colleagues. As we are all aware, the NHS featured prominently in the campaign.

I am very proud of the high standards of healthcare delivered across Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and the West Midlands by staff in our hospitals and who work in the community.  Healthcare can only be delivered by excellent teamwork and I am pleased that I see that every day in the teams working here. These teams reflect our diverse local community and the diversity of our patients and are made up of staff from all walks of life, race, beliefs and sexuality. Each member of our staff is equally valued as an essential part of the team that delivers such excellent treatment.

All of us who work in healthcare came into the profession to do something positive for others – to use our skills and abilities to care for, and treat, patients. We expect staff to treat all they meet with respect; whether it is respect for patients, respect for visitors or respect for each other. That respect works both ways – our staff must be respected for the job they do, for the skills and knowledge they bring to caring for patients.  They too have the right to expect to be treated with respect and courtesy by patients, visitors and members of the public.

There have been some disturbing reports from elsewhere in the NHS of staff facing racist abuse.  We value every member of our staff and will seek to protect and support them in all aspects of their work. As an organisation we will not tolerate any abuse of our staff and will seek to take action where appropriate.

With best wishes

Dame Julie Moore

Interim Chief Executive