Milestone is opportunity to reflect (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Milestone is opportunity to reflect

8:45am Tuesday 24th August 2010 in Our View

Reaching the age of 40 is an important landmark and a perfect time for reflection.

It is often a period when great things may have already been accomplished, but where the best may be yet to come.

And what is true of people can also be true of institutions such as Airedale Hospital, which celebrates its 40th anniversary early next month.

Looking back over those four decades is a humbling experience. Countless staff have walked through its doors, day and night, not knowing what would happen in the ensuing hours, but certain that they were there to do something very special – help others.

Whether hurt, worried, clutching a sick child, or nursing an illness of their own, person after person has turned up at its doors and received the treatment and care he or she required.

And on those bleak occasions when the world of medicine was defeated by our own mortality, staff were there to offer kindness, compassion and understanding when it was needed most.

It is impossible to say how many patients have owed their lives to Airedale Hospital down the years – but it has been and remains a truly vital service for that part of the district.

The hospital will mark its 40th anniversary with an open event and it is the perfect opportunity for everyone – staff and public alike – to reflect on past achievements and look forward to more of the same.