Staff from the Springwood unit in Malton today said a huge thank you to the “fantastic people” who rallied round to help after a fire broke out.
Dozens of local residents, business owners, school staff and off-duty health workers offered support, food and water during the incident last month.
Springwood ward manager Denise Teasdale said: “The community really came together to support us and were all just amazing.
“We are very grateful to the emergency services for their swift response, as well as our colleagues and the local community, who offered us so much help and support.”
Worst of times bring out the best
Fire broke out at the Springwood unit, run by our Trust, on Wednesday 8 July and all patients and staff were safely evacuated.
Temporary support was set up at nearby Malton School and local businesses provided “a constant stream” of food and drink to staff, volunteers and emergency services.
“The worst of times brought out the best in people. We are so genuinely thankful for everything the people of Malton did for us,” said housekeeper Jenni Gray.
“We’d like to thank everyone who, on the hardest of days, turned up to help. Everyone has been fantastic and given us so much support.
“On our worst day, in our worst times, people helped to hold us up. They came out to help from all over the community and just got stuck in and did everything they could.”
Community rallied to help out
Springwood, which provided mental health care for older people, was based on the site of Malton and Norton District Hospital.
“I would like to add my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all in the local community,” said healthcare assistant Mainza Waugh.
“I’d especially like to thank the fire crews, school, students and supermarket staff, who were so helpful and considerate in helping us in Springwood’s hour of need.”
Caroline Powell, a physical healthcare nurse practitioner, added: “I’d like to thank the team at Malton Hospital, including the community team, and the off-duty nurses who came to help.
“I’d also like to thank local businesses and people, school staff – who were really kind – and the fire and police crews who were calm and professional while responding to the fire.”
Fantastic support on difficult day
The swift actions of Springwood staff and emergency responders ensured the building was safely evacuated, and nobody was harmed in the fire.
Nurse Lynn Wilby said: “Thank you to all the emergency workers who were there to support us, and also the local community who were there to assist us.
“It’s good to see how a community can come together to help others. The staff on duty in both hospitals were amazing as well. Thank you.”
Work is continuing to manage the site and ensure it remains safe while investigations are completed.
Acting service manager Tyra Sutton said: “We want to thank all the many, many people who came out to help us on what was such a difficult day.
“We really appreciate everything people did for us – the emergency services, local community and local businesses. Everyone was fantastic.”
