Building named after much loved and valued colleague
Staff at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) have honoured the memory of a gentle, kind and thoughtful colleague by naming a building where she worked after her.
Becky Wilson House was officially named on Friday (14 July) in a ceremony attended by Tim and Nicky Wilson, Becky’s parents, her former colleagues and members of the Trust’s executive team. Becky Wilson House is home to Sandringham and Blickling wards and is part of the Julian Hospital in Bowthorpe Road, Norwich. The wards support older people who need inpatient, specialist care for a variety of mental health illnesses.
Becky joined NSFT in 2016 and was a registrar psychiatrist at the Julian Hospital when she died tragically and unexpectedly in May 2021 aged 34 from a cardiac arrest.
She was a popular member of staff, who supported LGBT rights through her role as co-chair of the LGBTQ staff network and her involvement with Pride.
Colleagues and friends joined Becky’s parents for an official unveiling of a plaque at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust site today (Friday 14 July).
The idea to create the lasting memorial came from matron Debbie Chowns and her team at the Julian Hospital. Debbie said: “Becky’s sad death impacted so many of us here at the Julian Hospital. She was a much loved and valued colleague and we wanted to formally recognise that. Becky is very much missed by us all.”
Becky’s parents Tim and Nicky Wilson said: “We are honoured that her friends and colleagues thought a memorial to Becky was appropriate. We are so proud of our lovely girl.”
Nicky said: “Becky had complex medical problems but after contracting Covid in January 2021 she returned to work. She was honest with us about feeling unwell and having alarming changes in her heart rate. Due to the complexities of Becky's health the reason for her cardiac arrest were undetermined.”
Nicky said her daughter loved her job and the values of the NHS. “Becky loved the team she was working with on Sandringham Ward and was so happy. She was a gentle, kind and thoughtful woman who believed in equality and teamwork. She had respect for every level of the team and felt such respect was essential for the future of the NHS. This belief drove her to take on the role of Equalities Lead.”
NSFT’s finance director Jason Hollidge attended the building naming ceremony and said: “I was honoured to join Becky’s parents today. It was clear to see how loved Becky was by all those who worked with and knew her and the lasting positive difference she made to her colleagues. I am delighted we named this building in Becky’s name. It is a fitting and lasting tribute to her.”
Jenny Carlisle, current chair of the Trust’s LGBTQ network, added: “Becky was really down to earth and would help anyone. For Pride, she painted rocks to be sold and baked cakes.”
The LGBTQ group also organised bright-coloured memorial benches which were installed at NSFT sites in Hellesdon and Carlton Colville following Becky’s death.