Prince William has emphasized the importance of “enforced career breaks” to prevent burnout among medical professionals as he marked five years since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
During a visit to the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Oasis Health and Wellbeing Centre and Garden—funded by NHS Charities Together in response to the pandemic—Prince William spoke with staff and volunteers about the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare workers.
Addressing Mental Health in the NHS
Acknowledging the selflessness of NHS staff, he stated: “Everyone in the NHS is there to care for others, so the last person who gets looked after is the individual. When I’ve worked with doctors, nurses, and paramedics, they always put their own needs aside because they don’t want to burden their colleagues.”
Highlighting the long-term impact of the crisis, he added: “Unless there are built-in career breaks as part of professional development, we will never reach a point where mental health support is truly effective.”
As patrons of NHS Charities Together since December 2020, Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate, have actively supported initiatives aimed at improving staff wellbeing.
Emotional Reflections from NHS Workers
Among those sharing their experiences was Lead Nurse Sergio Tammelleo, whose team cared for the UK’s first recorded Covid-19 fatality exactly five years prior to the Prince’s visit.
Reflecting on the immense challenges faced, Sergio said: “It’s really difficult to think about. It’s been five years already, and so much has happened.” He recounted how uncertainty surrounded early cases and how he refrained from visiting his family in Italy for over two years, fearing he might expose them to the virus.
“Even now, we still have Covid cases in the hospital. Sometimes, we stop and reflect on everything we went through. It was especially hard for those living alone, unable to see their families.”
A Moment of Lightheartedness
During the visit, Prince William was invited to join a yoga class led by instructor Veenu Singh. Laughing, he declined, saying: “I can’t bend—I’ll sit in the corner and talk while you contort.”
Veenu explained how yoga was helping staff manage stress through breathwork and nervous system regulation. William noted, “Yoga classes are where people truly relax and open up.”
Honoring Fallen Healthcare Workers
Stepping into the hospital’s memorial garden, the Prince paid tribute to two NHS staff members who lost their lives to Covid-19—Nurse Julie Edward and Dr. Peter Tun. He paused beside cherry and maple trees planted in their memory, as hospital CEO Steve McManus highlighted their significance: “This space serves as a lasting tribute to two valued members of our team.”
Supporting Wellbeing and Community Initiatives
Prince William then explored the hospital’s outdoor wellness space, guided by Dave Richards, Oasis Garden Project Lead, and Jo Warrior, Director of the Royal Berkshire Hospital Charity. The area includes a lawn and seating for staff breaks, a reflection space near a pond, and a polytunnel where vegetables are grown and donated to a local pantry supporting homeless individuals and those in need.
“It’s an active space that brings together the hospital staff and the wider community, demonstrating the power of gardens for health and wellbeing,” said Dave. “Absolutely,” William agreed, admiring the produce.
Remembering the Impact of the Pandemic
In a discussion with a group of nurses, the Prince expressed his gratitude: “You’re doing an incredible job—thank you.”
Reflecting on the visit, Sergio praised William’s dedication to mental health awareness: “You can tell he genuinely cares. His visit to our centre shows the importance of prioritizing NHS workers’ wellbeing—not just since Covid, but long before.”
Recalling the darkest moments of the pandemic, he added: “Some days, we saw 15 to 20 deaths within hours. Patients would arrive and pass away within four or five hours. That will stay with me forever.”
How Donations Have Transformed NHS Support
The £3 million renovation of the Oasis Health and Wellbeing Centre was made possible through funding from the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust, its charity, and NHS Charities Together.
In March 2020, NHS Charities Together launched an urgent Covid-19 appeal, raising over £15 million in just five days and eventually amassing more than £160 million. These funds have provided counseling, rest areas, and community projects that have benefited nearly two-thirds of NHS workers nationwide.
Peter Phippen, Chair of NHS Charities Together, expressed his gratitude: “It’s fantastic to see the tangible impact of donations on NHS staff, patients, and communities. We are incredibly grateful to the Prince and Princess of Wales for their unwavering support as our Royal Patrons.”
