Globally, each year on April 28th, countries gather to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day. On this day we remember those who have lost their lives at work, or those who have lost their lives through work-related injury and diseases. In remembering those who have died we reaffirm our commitment to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.
Thursday 28 April 2022, International Workers’ Memorial Day will be different, as the Gibraltar Health Authority will reflect on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, especially to those heath care staff and all other key workers who have tragically lost their lives globally.
The Director General, Professor Patrick Geoghegan, on behalf of the GHA, will pay tribute to the sacrifice made of so many workers during this pandemic and remember those who have sadly lost their lives, as well as this we thank all those who continue to do vital work at great risk. This is extended to all workers whose lives have been lost and we also remember their families.
The GHA are asking the workforce, friends and colleagues to take part and stop their work for one minute at 11am, whether in their workplace of at home. The minute’s silence allows us all to pay tribute to the sacrifice made of so many workers during the pandemic. As we come together in remembering those who have lost their lives, we also reach out in supporting those who continue experiencing grief.
Director of Nursing & Ambulance Services Ms Sandie Gracia said: “We dedicate this day to all our health and care workforce, regardless of the sector in which they work or where it is that they work, globally there are tens of thousands of workers who have died. I am grateful, humbled and proud of those staff at the Gibraltar Health Authority and Care Agency – what they have achieved, what they have been through and who still continue day after day, to attend to their duties having the needs of patients and those they offer care and support to at the centre of all that they do.
“Today we pay homage and offer respect to those whose work involves caring, saving lives and keeping key health care services running in keeping us safe, we are also showing our support for those families who have lost a loved one.
“Workers Memorial Day is a touching reminder of the risks that essential healthcare workers run as they keep our community safe. This simple demonstration of respect is in response to those who have paid the very highest price, and we salute them in our gratitude.
“We will not forget the valiant contribution that they made as they worked with the determined aim of making a difference.
“There are very few professions whose primary objective is to advance the cause of humanity, amongst this limited group of humanitarians are Healthcare Workers”.
ENDS
