UHN Memory Tree unveiled at KGH
The first of our University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) Memory Trees was unveiled yesterday (5 August 2026) in the Atrium at Kettering General Hospital (KGH). Plans are being made for a similar tree to be installed at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) soon.
Funded thanks to Northamptonshire Health Charity, the staff-led initiative provides a permanent and dedicated place to reflect and remember our colleagues who have died while in service.
As part of a small event, the first colleague leaves were added to the tree, recognising the contribution colleagues made to KGH through their dedication, compassion and professionalism in caring for others.
Julie Hogg, UHN Managing Director and Group Chief Nurse at UHN, said: "Every person we remember today made a meaningful difference through their dedication, compassion and professionalism. When we lose a colleague, we lose more than a member of staff; we lose a friend, a mentor and a valued member of our hospital family.
"The Memory Tree is a very special addition. It provides a beautiful and lasting way for families, friends and colleagues to remember someone special. Our hospitals are built not only on buildings and services, but on the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others. It is therefore fitting that we have a dedicated place where those contributions can be recognised and remembered.
"I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who helped bring this project to life. Your commitment and care have created a lasting place of remembrance that will provide comfort and reflection for many years to come."
Colleagues or the next of kin of a colleague who died in service before May 2026 can still apply for a leaf through the Northamptonshire Health Charity by completing this form . For anyone who dies in service after May 2026 will be offered a leaf. In cases where multiple applications are received, we will thoughtfully consolidate these requests in to one leaf. Applications for the NGH tree will be kept until the tree is ready for installation.
Alongside leaves for colleagues, members of the public can also purchase leaves in remembrance, by visiting nhcharity.co.uk/memory-tree, giving families and supporters the opportunity to remember loved ones. Each leaf purchased helps support projects such as this, to enhance patient care, staff wellbeing, research and hospital environments across University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Jonathan McGee, CEO of Northamptonshire Health Charity, said: "We are proud to have been able to fund this initiative. Every dedication not only honours a loved one but also helps fund projects that improve the experience of patients, families and staff across Northamptonshire."
Invited guests at the launch were supported by the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire volunteer team's Brew Buddies initiative, which provided refreshments for attendees. Northamptonshire Health Charity was also grateful to receive a generous donation of cakes from long-standing supporters Mademoiselle Desserts.